TY - JOUR T1 - Alternative routes to the summit require experienced climbers: Comment on “intertransversalis fascia approach in urologic laparoscopic operations” AU - Unwala DJ Y1 - 2012/02/01 N1 - 10.1001/archsurg.2011.1411 JO - Archives of Surgery SP - 167 EP - 167 VL - 147 IS - 2 N2 - The retroperitoneal approach is more common in China than it is in the United States. It is difficult to make broad statements regarding the superiority of one approach as it is likely the surgeon's experience and comfort level, rather than technique, that determine success. As described by Li et al,1 the intertransversalis fascia approach provides a clean, clear, bloodless field. However, one of the chief concerns with the retroperitoneal approach, in general, is the smaller working space provided. The transperitoneal approach may provide a gentler learning curve for beginners. SN - 0004-0010 M3 - doi: 10.1001/archsurg.2011.1411 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.2011.1411 ER -