Extraperitoneal approach for vascular operations: retrospective review.

Various extraperitoneal approaches for vascular operations have been developed since the external iliac artery was first exposed and ligated in this manner in 1796. By now a considerable number, each capable of modification and extension, have been devised. It is now possible to operate extraperitoneally upon any portion of the abdominal aorta, the iliac arteries, and most of the important aortic visceral branches.