Journal of vascular surgery
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Transabdominal versus retroperitoneal incision for abdominal aortic surgery: report of a prospective randomized trial.
The purpose of this study was to perform a randomized, prospective trial that compares the transabdominal with the retroperitoneal approach to the aorta for routine infrarenal aortic reconstruction. ⋯ We conclude that the RPI approach for abdominal aortic surgery is associated with fewer postoperative complications, shorter stays in the hospital and intensive care unit, and lower cost. There is, however, an increase in long-term incisional pain. Current methods of postoperative pain control seem to decrease the incidence of pulmonary complications.