[Lymphatic drainage of intertracheobronchial lymph nodes. An anatomical study by injecting diaphragmatic pleura of foetuses and adult cadavers].

The aim of this anatomical study was to determine lymphatic efferents from intertracheobronchial lymph nodes. The diaphragmatic vessels of 57 adult cadavers and 23 foetuses were injected with a modified Gerota's medium to permit, through diaphragmatic lymphatic efferents, intertracheobronchial lymph nodes and its lymphatic efferents to be visualised and then dissected. Each stage of the dissection was described and photographed. Ascending paratracheal efferents appeared to be the most important, particularly the right one. Unknown lymph pathways such as the right thoracic tracheo-oesophageal lymph collector were described. The important place of bronchial lymph nodes was demonstrated. Connexions to the thoracic duct and abdominal cavity, unknown, important in pathology was denmostrated. The intertracheobronchial lymph nodes are an important lymph center in the mediastinum. Many efferent pathways arise from it, particularly the right ascending paratracheal efferents.