Retroperitoneal versus transperitoneal approach for repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

We, as well as other authors, believe that the retroperitoneal approach is an excellent alternative to the transperitoneal route for the repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. This approach is associated with a significant decrease in pulmonary and cardiac complications and therefore can be used in selected high-risk patients with expanding aneurysms. A well-controlled randomized multicenter trial should answer the question: "Is this approach the surgical access of choice for the elective repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms?"