Thoracic part of sympathetic chain and its branching pattern variations in South Indian cadavers.

Abstract

The sympathetic trunks are two ganglionated nerve trunks that extend the whole length of the vertebral column.The two trunks end by joining together to form a single ganglion, the ganglion impar. The thoracic part of the sympathetic chain runs downward and leaves the thorax behind the medial arcuate ligament. The preganglionic fibers which are grouped together to forms planchnic nerves and supply the abdominal viscera. Anatomical variations of the thoracic sympathetic trunk in relation to intercostal nerves may be one of the reasons that cause surgical failures. Therefore, our present study aimed to investigate the sympathetic variations in the cadavers. In the present study we have investigated 31 embalmed cadavers thoracic cavities were eviscerated, the posterior thoracic walls were dissected carefully to expose the sympathetic chain and its branches. Stellate ganglion was observed bilaterally in 4 cadavers and unilaterally in 15 cadavers. Greater splanchnic nerve highest origin was 4(th) ganglion and the lowest origin was 11(th) ganglion. Common origin for the lesser splanchnic nerve was from the 11(th) ganglion. Common origin for the least splanchnic nerves was from the 12(th) ganglion. Information on the variability of the anatomy of the thoracic sympathetic chain and splanchnic nerves may be important for the success of subdiaphragmatic neuroablative surgical approaches to pain control and splanchnic neurectomy for the management of chronic abdominal pain.