Pulmonary Fissures Including Accessory and Azygos Fissures and their Clinical Significance

Abstract

Introduction: The lungs are divided into lobes by oblique and horizontal fissures. Knowledge of extent of completeness of fissures is important for surgical planning. This study highlights the variation in Pulmonary fissures including accessory and azygos fissure and their clinical relevance. Materials and Methods: The sample consists of fifty (50) lung specimens (25 right and 25 left), collected from formalin fixed cadavers, which were dissected during undergraduate teaching. The lungs were observed for complete, incomplete, and absent fissures. Additional fissures including accessory and azygos fissures were also observed and findings compared with previous studies. Results: Accessory fissure was found in 35% right and 40% left lungs. Horizontal fissure was found to be absent in 30% right lungs. Oblique fissure was found absent in 5% right and left lungs. Four right lungs had azygous fissure. Inferior accessory fissures were found in 15% right lungs. 20% left lungs had both inferior accessory and left minor fissures. Conclusion: It is important to assess the incompleteness or absence of fissures, when planning any surgical procedure. Lung fissure variations are frequently encountered during surgical procedures and knowledge of pattern of these fissures is important to avoid and reduce associated mortality and morbidity.