Anatomical bases of the transhiatus approach to the greater splanchnic nerve.

The level of origin and mode of constitution of the greater splanchnic nerve and its relations in the posterior mediastinum were studied. The aim of this work was to identify the anatomical basis of the transhiatus approach to the right and left greater splanchnic nerves. The azygos venous system was seen to be the main anatomical relation of these nerves. The results of this study should allow the surgeon to perform total bilateral neurotomy.