Learning objectives
1) Review the anatomy of the retroperitoneal space.
2) Explain the theory of interfascial spread and the communication routes within the retroperitoneal compartments and with the peritoneal and extra peritoneal cavities.
Background
The retroperitoneum is an anatomical space located in front of the transversalis fascia and behind the parietal peritoneum.
Fig. 1
It is divided into two lateral compartments and a central vascular compartment.
Each lateral compartment is divided by renal fasciae into three spaces: the anterior pararenal, perirenal,
and posterior pararenal spaces.
Fig. 2
The central vascular compartment is located between the two perirenal spaces, behind the anterior pararenal space and in front of the spine.
It contains the abdominal aorta and its branches, the inferior...
Findings and procedure details
(We will only focus on lateral compartments)
♦ Perirenal space:
Both perirenal spaces have the shape of an inverted cone pointing at the pelvis.
A/Limitsand Communications:
Perirenal space is limited by the anterior and posterior renal fasciae.
Fig. 4
The posterior renal fascia is thicker.
It is made up of two laminae: a deep lamina continuing with the anterior renal fascia to delineate the perirenal space and a superficial lamina continuing laterally with the lateroconal fascia which will itself fuse forward with the parietal peritoneum....
Conclusion
A precise knowledge of the anatomy of the retroperitoneum is necessary to understand the pathologies of this space,
their diffusion within its different compartments and their extension to the peritoneal cavity and extra peritoneal spaces.
References
1.
Coffin,
A.,
Boulay-Coletta,
I.,
Sebbag-Sfez,
D.,
& Zins,
M.
(2015).
Radio anatomie du rétro-péritoine.Journal de Radiologie Diagnostique et Interventionnelle,96(1),
44-59.
2. Korobkin M,
Silverman PM,
Quint LE,
Francis IR,
CT of the Extraperitoneal
Space: Normal Anatomy and Fluid Collections,
American Journal of
Roentgenology 1992; 159: 933-941
3. Gore,
R et al.
The Great Escape: Interfascial decompression planes
of the retroperitoneum.
American Journal of Roentgenology.
2000; Vol
175(363-370)
