[Internal mammary lymph nodes identification from isolated sternum of human cadaver].
OBJECTIVE
To identify the lymph nodes positioned along the internal mammary vessels in isolated sternum of human cadaver and to standardize the surgical approach to those nodes, in order to establish anatomical landmarks to be used with the current techniques of mammary gland sentinel lymph node detection.


METHODS
Ten sternum plates removed from unclaimed cadavers were used in this study. Sternal plates were removed using bilateral incisions of the ribs at the midclavicular lines. The characterization of the internal mammary vessels and the anatomical integrity of the parietal pleura were indispensable requirements during the procedure.


RESULTS
A total of 29 lymph nodes were removed from the 2nd (13) and the 3rd (16) intercostals spaces. Almost 50% of all nodes collected were located medially to the vessels.


CONCLUSIONS
The approach used is a reliable surgical technique for removing lymph node from sternal plates. The model is therefore valuable for breast surgeons training in sentinel node biopsy, an important procedure for breast cancer patients.
Pinheiro
Luiz Gonzaga Porto
LG
Head of Breast Division, UFC, Fortaleza, Brazil. luizgporto@uol.com.br
Valente
Paulla Vasconcelos
PV
Aguiar
Paulo Henrique Walter
PH
Martins
Fabrício de Sousa
Fde S
Sales
Leonardo Adolpho de Sá
LA
Barroso
Thiago Almeida
TA
Mesquita Neto
José Wilson Benevides de
JW
Oliveira Filho
Renato Santos de
RS
D002102:Cadaver; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008323:Mammary Arteries / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods*; D013249:Sternum / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*