RETROPERITONEOSCOPY - THE WASHINGTON-UNIVERSITY MEDICAL-SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

Objective. To describe our initial experience with balloon dilatation of the retroperitoneum. Methods. In 1 2 patients undergoing laparoscop ic renal surgery, the retroperitoneum was dilated using the technique of balloon dilatation. This technique is described and the operative p rocedure performed in each patient is outlined. The postoperative reco very data and complications are also presented. Results. This procedur e provided excellent exposure of the anatomic structures within the re troperitoneal space and simplified the surgical dissection by staying out of the abdominal cavity. Conclusions. Access to the retroperitonea l space is easily and quickly performed utilizing the technique of bal loon dilation and may minimize the risk of injury to peritoneal organs .