Anatomic considerations in extraperitoneal approach to radical nephrectomy

The interrelationship between the lateral and posterior portions of the peritoneum and Gerota's fascia allows them to be separated from each other, permitting ready visualization of the major renal vessels. The posterior relationship between Gerota's fascia and the transversalis fascia overlying the more posterior psoas muscle can be used to advantage in exposing the renal vessels posteriorly. That the fascial layers defining the retroperitoneal spaces might therefore be used in dissecting the renal hilum and vessels in the performance of radical nephrectomy prompted the present investigation. Twenty patients underwent this approach for radical nephrectomy for varying stages of renal cell carcinoma involving either upper, mid, or lower portion of right or left kidney. Postoperative recovery appeared to be shortened because of the lesser interval of ileus than had previously been encountered using a transperitoneal approach. Despite the minimal manipulation of the kidney prior to ligation of the renal vessels, there was no apparent increased tumor dissemination as detected clinically, and experimentally there appeared to be no increase in tumor cells in the venous effluent. Operative time, blood loss, and postoperative complications were comparable to those reported for the transperitoneal approach. This means of performing radical nephrectomy, based on the relationship of fascial layers in the retroperitoneum thus appeared to lend itself to easier dissection as well as lesser postoperative ileus and corresponding shorter hospital stays.