[A method for segmental gross examination of the liver]

Segmental localization of hepatic tumours by the pathologists is often approximate. However this information is essential to analyze the impact of preoperative treatments. We describe a new technique for gross examination of the liver, based on hepatic segmental anatomy. After segment I has been resected, sagittal sectioning along the umbilical scissure splits the liver into the left and right lobes. On the left lobe, parenchymal sectioning along the plane of the left hepatic vein separates segment II from segment III. On the right lobe, parenchymal sectioning along the median hepatic vein separates segment IV from the right liver. The right liver is then separated into its four segments once the parenchyma has been cut along the plane of the right hepatic vein and the right portal axis, respectively. We used this technique to examine 387 explanted livers, 214 of wich contained tumors. In 49 cases, pathologic location of the lesions concorded with radiological findings in 92% of cases.