Retroperitoneal approach for implantation of aorto-iliac and aorto-femoral vascular prosthesis.

During the period 1963--76, sixty-nine patients underwent aorto-iliac of aorto-femoral by-pass operation at the department. Fifty-two of the operations were performed through a retroperitoneal approach. The operative procedure is described. The approach is found gratifying and the statement of earlier authors concerning fewer cases of paralytic ileus and smoother convalescence is confirmed.