retrograde dissection
Pronunciation: RET-ro-grade dih-SEK-shun
A surgical approach proceeding from the organ toward its vascular supply, opposite to the normal anatomic flow direction.
Full Definition
Retrograde dissection is a surgical technique where the dissection proceeds from the periphery of an organ or structure back toward its central vascular supply, opposite to the normal direction of blood flow or anatomic development. This approach is often used when tumors involve or obscure the normal anatomic planes around major vessels, making standard antegrade approaches dangerous. Retrograde dissection can provide safer access to vascular pedicles by approaching them from a less diseased or more favorable anatomic plane, though it may be technically more demanding and time-consuming than conventional approaches.
Usage
Usage note: Describes direction of surgical approach, not anatomic location; opposite of antegrade.
In Context
- "Retrograde dissection from the splenic hilum allowed safe identification of the splenic artery despite tumor encasement." — Operative report
- "The retrograde dissection technique provided excellent exposure of the celiac axis in this challenging case." — Surgical technique description