rétropéritoine

Rétropéritoine refers to the anatomical space located behind the peritoneum. The peritoneum is a serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers most of the abdominal organs. The retroperitoneal space lies between the parietal peritoneum and the posterior abdominal wall.

This space contains several important organs and structures, including the kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, duodenum (except for its first part), ascending and descending colon, aorta, inferior vena cava, and lymph nodes. Because these organs are situated behind the peritoneum, they are often referred to as retroperitoneal organs.

Conditions affecting this region can be varied and serious. Tumors can arise from the retroperitoneal tissues themselves or metastasize to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Infections can also occur in this space, such as retroperitoneal abscesses. Bleeding can also happen in the retroperitoneal space, often due to trauma or rupture of major blood vessels like the aorta. Imaging techniques such as CT scans and MRI are crucial for diagnosing and evaluating conditions within the retroperitoneum due to its deep and enclosed nature.