Retroperitoneal repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms offers postoperative benefits to male patients in the Veterans Affairs Health System.

BACKGROUND: Transperitoneal (TP) and retroperitoneal (RP) approaches have equal efficacy in elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. The effect of open operative approach on patient-specific outcomes after AAA repair was tested.

METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing open AAA repair at the Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System between January 2000 and August 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Analysis was performed to examine the effects of demographic and clinical covariates on postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS: A total of 106 patients were identified: 54 with TP approach and 52 with RP approach. Demographics and preoperative comorbidities were equivalent (p > or = 0.10), with the exception of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which was more prevalent in the TP group (61 vs. 40%). Operative times were longer in the TP group (4.6 vs. 3.5 hours; p < 0.01); however, significantly more TP patients had reconstruction with a bifurcated graft (72 vs. 2%; p < 0.01). Postoperative nasogastric tube decompression times were shorter in the RP group (1 vs. 3 days; p < 0.01), and RP approach led to a quicker return to preoperative diet (4 vs. 6 days; p = 0.05). Patients undergoing RP repair developed fewer incisional hernias (2 vs. 15%; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION: RP approach to AAA repair offers patients faster return of bowel function and is associated with fewer incisional hernias.