Hepatic veins in northwest Indian subjects

Formation, position, course and areas of drainage by hepatic veins were studied in 153 adult autopsy specimens. There were three major hepatic veins; left, middle and right. The middle hepatic vein (MHV) joined the left hepatic vein (LHV) in 88.2% specimens before the latter opened into inferior vena cava (IVC). Each major hepatic vein was joined by a superior vein. An intersegmental vein was present in the septum between the medial and lateral segments; it either joined the LHV or MHV. Formation and course of posterior hepatic veins (small veins) have been described and a nomenclature has been suggested. The right suprarenal vein either opened directly into IVC or joined the superior or inferior posterior hepatic veins.