[Anatomical considerations on the approach to the subdiaphragmatic aorta]

The surgical approach to the supra coeliac aorta, after cutting muscular fibers surrounding the oesophageal hiatus has been, recently, suggested. Herein we study the structure of the hiatus in order to estimate the ease of that way. The oesophageal hiatus if formed in 60% of the cases to the detriment of the right pillar only. Thus the anterior wall of the lower part of the thoracic aorta can be exposed by cutting the deep fascicle only; in the other cases (40%), some crossed fibers from the left pillar participate to the constitution of oesophageal hiatus; these crossed fibers have to be cut but are of reduced volume. The abdominal approach of the lower part of the thoracic aorta seems to be interesting technical solution.