Retrograde type A aortic dissection (RTAD) is a life-threatening and underestimated complication of endovascular stent graft placement for type B dissection. Here, we retrospectively investigated our experience of surgical treatment for RTAD after endovascular stent graft placement for type B dissection. Between June 2006 and September 2011, nine patients with RTAD were transferred to our department for surgery. Total arch replacement was performed in six patients and three patients underwent subtotal arch replacement. Associated procedures consisted of ascending aorta replacement in nine patients, coronary artery bypass grafting in one patient and aortic valve plasty in two patients. All operations were performed under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and selective antegrade cerebral perfusion. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was 158.33 ± 29.18 min. The myocardial ischaemic time was 78.11 ± 28.30 min. The antegrade cerebral perfusion time was 38.67 ± 12.34 min. The mean ventilation time was 45.63 ± 24.74 h. A tracheotomy was necessary in one patient. The ICU time was 7.00 ± 6.80 days and the in-hospital duration was 25.33 ± 11.95 days. There was no in-hospital mortality. The mean follow-up was 34.79 ± 19.37 months and eight patients are still alive. One patient was lost to follow-up. Surgical treatment for RTAD is a safe alternative and the results are encouraging.