Anatomical bases of transaxillary resection of the first rib.

Anatomical study of the costoclavicular space, with approach via inferolateral axillary route, allowing resection of the first rib. With the patient in the semisupine position, lifting the arm to the zenith allows the costoclavicular space to be opened widely and separation of the plane of the first rib from the neurovascular structures of the lateral wall of the axillary pyramid. In the first part of our work, we study successively the bony frame and its anatomical variations, the muscular frame and its anomalies, the cervical pleura and its associated fibromembranous complex. The second part is a succinct summary of the different stages of transaxillary resection of the first rib, with mention of the operative risks and landmarks in this approach.