title: Retroperitoneoscopy: the Washington University Medical School experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe our initial experience with balloon dilatation of the retroperitoneum.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 12 patients undergoing laparoscopic renal surgery, the retroperitoneum was dilated using the technique of balloon dilatation. This technique is described and the operative procedure performed in each patient is outlined. The postoperative recovery data and complications are also presented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This procedure provided excellent exposure of the anatomic structures within the retroperitoneal space and simplified the surgical dissection by staying out of the abdominal cavity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Access to the retroperitoneal space is easily and quickly performed utilizing the technique of balloon dilation and may minimize the risk of injury to peritoneal organs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery (Urology), Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: McDougall
authors.forename: R V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Clayman
authors.forename: P T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Fadden
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space