Variations in the canine thoracic duct system and the effects of surgical occlusion demonstrated by rapid aqueous lymphography, using an intestinal lymphatic trunk.

Abstract

An alternative method for lymphography was developed in an attempt to improve the outlining of the thoracic duct system. Lymphograms obtained on 20 normal dogs demonstrated a large extent of anatomic variation. A complete obstruction of the thoracic duct was created in six dogs through transpleural resection and ligation. The lymphatic system responded by opening lymphaticovenous anastomoses proximal to the site of obstruction.