Retroperitoneal Anatomy

This chapter explains retroperitoneal anatomy, a crucial space nestled between the parietal peritoneum and the fascia on the posterior abdominal wall. The retroperitoneal space is bounded by the posterior parietal peritoneum anteriorly and the lumbar spine posteriorly. The primary retroperitoneal organs comprise the adrenal glands, kidneys, ureters, abdominal aorta, inferior vena cava, and their respective branches. Within this space, meticulous delineation of compartments includes centromedial, lateral, and pelvic, understanding its anatomy is essential for surgeons for adopting innovative approaches to complex total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). Additionally, importance of various avascular spaces are discussed which plays an important role in various gynecological surgeries. This chapter aims to enrich the understanding of retroperitoneal anatomy, providing a solid foundation for different approaches to TLH.