Langer’s Axillary Arch: A rare Phenomenon and Its Clinical Importance
Abstract
Objective: Langers axillary arch (LAA) is a muscular slip encountered in the axillary region with various clinical implications. Knowledge about this muscle is important for surgeons because of its proximity to various nerves and axillary structures.
Material and Methods: In this report, we present a case series of patients in whom the LAA was identified during surgical procedures such as axillary dissection, sentinel lymph node biopsy, breast lumpectomy, and breast conservation surgery.
Results: Among the 5 LAA cases identified, 2 were complete and 3 were incomplete. Intraoperatively, all 5 cases were handled well, and prior awareness of this anatomical variation allowed surgeons to identify it immediately, which helped in avoiding any potential complications, both intra- and postoperative. All patients were followed up closely and their post-operative periods were found to be uneventful.
Conclusion: LAA was accurately identified and exposed in all patients during surgery to achieve complete axillary clearance. Early recognition and pre-operative knowledge of such an anomaly assisted us in preventing many unwanted surgical and clinical implications.
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