Methods: Fifty-five patients who underwent surgery for AIOD between October 2003 and August 2007 were retrospectively evaluated. Retroperitoneal technique was performed in 30 patients and TP technique was performed in 25 patients. Clinical features, risk factors, peri- and postoperative medical data were analyzed and compared between two groups.

Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in clinical features and risk factors. Of the eight operative parameters, five were in favor of RP procedure. Duration of intensive care unit stay (p<0.01), duration of hospital stay (p<0.01), return of bowel functions (p<0.01), beginning time of oral feeding (p<0.01), effort pain score (p<0.01) were significantly better than those observed in TP group. Pulmonary complications were also fewer in RP group (p=0.02) but the difference was not statistically significant for this parameter. There were no statistically significant differences when the other complication parameters [wound complications (p=0.09), paralitic ileus (p=0.14), re-operation (p=0.46), 30th day mortality (p=0.30)] were considered.

Conclusion: When the results are compared, it is seen that RP procedure is more advantageous than TP procedure in the surgical treatment of AIOD.