Thoraco-abdominal aortic approach for the treatment of pararenal aneurysm

The results of a thoraco-abdominal retroperitoneal approach for the treatment of pararenal aneurysms are discussed. Fifteen patients with juxtarenal (7 pts) and suprarenal (8 pts) aneurysms were operated on by a left side thoracolaparotomy with retrocolic dissection. In 12 patients suprarenal aortic cross clamping was necessary for 10 to 60 minutes. Seven tube and eight bifurcation grafts were implanted using the inlay technique. There were no postoperative deaths; only one patient had a severe complication with total renal failure for which hemodialysis was started. In our experience the thoraco-abdominal aortic approach is a safe method for the treatment of patients with pararenal aneurysm.