Extraperitoneal space

The extraperitoneal space is the portion of the abdomen and pelvis which does not lie within peritoneum. It includes:

• Retroperitoneal space, situated posteriorly to the peritoneum, containing the kidneys, the suprarenal glands, the ureters, the major blood vessels (abdominal part of the aorta, inferior vena cava, common and external iliac vessels), and the sympathetic trunk

• Preperitoneal space, situated anteriorly to the peritoneum, a very narrow layer of connective tissue, situated beneath the anterior an lateral abdominal walls. Most prominent part of it lies below the umbilicus between the vesico-umbilical fascia and the lower part of the anterior abdominal wall. Inferiorly, this space is continous with the prevesical space (of Retzius) in the lesser pelvis. This space is not officially listed in the Terminologia Anatomica

• Retropubic space (prevesical space), deep to the pubic bone.

• Retro-inguinal space, deep to the inguinal ligament, that contains contains vasculature including the femoral artery and vein and allows for passage of the illiopsoas.

• Infraperitoneal space or subperitoneal space, the space that lies in the pelvic cavity and that contains:

  • Pelvic organs, vessels and nerves

  • Paravesical (perivesical) space: paired spaces containing fat on lateral side of urinary bladder.

  • Pararectal (perirectal) space: fat and connective tissue around the rectum