[Incisions for an approach to the cervical segment of the thoracic duct].

After a brief review of available data in the literature on the sections for surgical approach to the cervical segment of the thoracic duct, the authors made a comparative analysis, using time-honoured objective criteria on surgery, between the universal transverse cervical section (20 operated patients) for approach to the cervical segment of the thoracic duct and the oblique cervical section which they suggest (28 operated patients) it passes along the bisector of the angle formed between the thoracic pedicle of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the upper edge of the left clavicle. It is concluded that the oblique cervical section for approach to the cervical segment of the thoracic duct is superior, with respect to accessibility and inflicted trauma.