Expansion
Suprarenal, Aorta and IVC, Duodenum, Pancreas, Ureters, Colon, Kidneys, Esophagus, Rectum
Expansion
- S - Suprarenal (adrenal) glands
- A - Aorta and inferior vena cava
- D - Duodenum, second and third parts
- P - Pancreas, except the tail
- U - Ureters
- C - Colon, ascending and descending
- K - Kidneys
- E - (O)esophagus, abdominal part
- R - Rectum
Primarily retroperitoneal structures were never in the peritoneal cavity: kidneys, adrenals, ureters, aorta and inferior vena cava.
Secondarily retroperitoneal structures began with a mesentery and later fused to the posterior wall: duodenum, pancreas, and the ascending and descending colon. This fusion plane is avascular and can be opened surgically to mobilise these organs: the Kocher manoeuvre for the duodenum, and medial visceral rotation for the colon.