TissueDB/Structures/Retroperitoneum
Retroperitoneum — the anatomical space behind the peritoneal cavity, between the posterior parietal peritoneum and the posterior abdominal wall, housing the great vessels, kidneys and other structures that surgeons must recognise and protect during abdominal and pelvic procedures.
Component Tissues
| Tissue | Layer/Position | Key Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Peritoneum | Anterior boundary | Translucent membrane forming the front wall of the space |
| Muscle | Posterior and lateral boundary | Psoas major and quadratus lumborum of the posterior wall |
| Fascia | Compartmentalising planes | Transversalis and renal (Gerota's) fascia that divide the space |
| Retroperitoneal fat | Filling | Adipose tissue packing around the organs and vessels |
| Blood vessel | Central great vessels | Abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava with their branches |
| Pancreas | Contained organ | A representative retroperitoneal organ |
References
[edit source]
Overview
The retroperitoneum is the space behind the peritoneal cavity, bounded in front by the posterior parietal peritoneum and behind by the posterior abdominal wall. It contains the abdominal aorta, inferior vena cava, kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, and parts of the pancreas and duodenum. Because it is an assembly of tissues rather than a single tissue type, it is documented as a Structure. ⚑ Open for review: the component-tissue list gives the principal anatomical constituents; the exact set to enumerate for a space-type structure is open for Dr Mohr's confirmation.
Synonyms
- Retroperitoneal space
- Retroperitoneal compartment
Related Structures
Clinical Context
Procedures using this structure:
- Pediatric inguinal hernia repair (retroperitoneum reproduced as a cast suture layer)
- Intra-abdominal bleeding control (retroperitoneum separated from the peritoneal cavity by a membrane)
- Retroperitoneal exposure of the great vessels (aorta, inferior vena cava)
Simulation Considerations
In the reviewed simulators the retroperitoneum is cast as a suture-compatible silicone-over-mesh sheet (Heo) or represented by a semitransparent mesh membrane separating the peritoneal and retroperitoneal compartments (Fernandes). The layer must hold sutures and present as a distinct plane behind the peritoneum.
Simulators
[edit | edit source]Retroperitoneum simulation is incorporated in:
- Pediatric Inguinal Hernia Repair Simulator (Heo) — retroperitoneum cast as a silicone-over-mesh suture layer
- Intra-abdominal Bleeding Simulator (Fernandes) — mesh membrane separating the peritoneal cavity from the retroperitoneum
== References ==[1]
- ↑ Gray H. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2020.