1
noun
(a) way of dealing with a problem; the authority has adopted a radical approach to the problem of patient waiting lists
(b) (in surgery) path used by a surgeon when carrying out an operation
posterior approach = (operation) carried out from the back
transdiaphragmatic approach = (operation) carried out through the diaphragm
2
verb
to go, come nearer; as the consultant approached, all the patients looked at him