Morphological Study of Human Liver and Its Surgical Importance

Liver is the largest abdominal organ located in right hypochondrium, epigastrium and left hypochondrium in upper abdominal cavity. Although the segmental anatomy of the liver has been extensively researched, very few studies have dealt with surface variations of the liver. The major fissures are important landmarks for interpreting the lobar anatomy and locating the liver lesions.

To determine gross anatomical variations of liver and their clinical and surgical implications.

Present morphological study was conducted on 80 formalin-fixed livers which were observed for the study in the Department of Anatomy, Baroda Medical College, Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Different variations in lobes, fissures and accessory lobes, decrease in size of lobes, lobar atrophy and any other variations on the surface of the livers were observed. The liver specimens were also classified according to netter's six types of liver variations.

Total 80 cadaveric livers were studied. Out of which 14(17.5%) livers were normal and 66(82.5%) were abnormal. Out of 66, abnormal fissures were in 28(35%), abnormal lobes were in 29(36.25%), large papillary process in 1(1.25%), Pons hepatis joining the left lobe with quadrate lobe in 1(1.25%) liver, deep renal impression and corset constriction observed in 1(1.25%) and deep diaphragmatic groove were observed in 6(7.5%).

The findings of our study may be helpful for surgeons and radiologists to avoid possible errors in interpretations and subsequent misdiagnosis, and to assist in planning appropriate surgical approaches.