Background: Laparoscopic aortic surgery (LAS), performed since 1993, has undergone a number of technical improvements during recent years. The published results are comparable with those for open surgery. The aim of this article is to present the method with a focus on technical details, and at the same time present our experience with this technique.
Material and methods: Eight patients with debilitating intermittent claudication were operated with a total laparoscopic aortofemoral bypass. Operations were performed through a transperitoneal retrorenal approach. Median age of the patients was 61 years (range 51-76). All patients had an aortoiliac occlusive disease of type D according to the Transatlantic Inter Society Consensus (TASC). Prior to the procedures an operation team followed a structured training programme that comprised using a training model and operating on pigs, and visited an international referral centre.
Results and interpretation: All operations were successfully performed. No patient developed per- or post-operative complications. Median post-operative hospital stay was four days. LAS is a technically demanding procedure and it can be established through well targeted and carefully planned training.