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Langer's axillary arch in association with sentinel lymph node.
M R Keshtgar1, C Saunders, P J Ell
1Academic Department of Surgery, Royal Free and University College Medical School, UCL, London, UK. m.keshtgar@nucmed.ucl.ac.uk
Breast (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|February 18, 2004
Summary
Langer's axillary arch, a rare muscle variation, can impact surgical procedures. This study highlights two cases where this anatomical anomaly influenced sentinel lymph node biopsy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Anatomical variations
- Surgical anatomy
- Musculoskeletal system
Background:
- Langer's axillary arch is an uncommon variation in latissimus dorsi muscle insertion.
- Its clinical significance is noted in axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), lymphoedema, and latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction.
- Axillary vein obstruction associated with this arch has been previously documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report two instances of Langer's axillary arch identified during sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy.
- To discuss the procedural implications of encountering this anatomical variation during SLN biopsy.
Main Methods:
- Case report of two patients undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy.
- Intraoperative identification of Langer's axillary arch.
Main Results:
- Langer's axillary arch was identified in two patients during sentinel lymph node biopsy.
- The presence of the arch had implications for the surgical procedure.
Conclusions:
- Langer's axillary arch is an anatomical variation that can affect sentinel lymph node biopsy.
- Awareness of this anomaly is crucial for surgeons performing axillary procedures.