Morphological Study of Human Liver and Its Surgical Importance.

Background: The liver is largest abdominal viscera 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. Purpose: The purpose of our study was to determine gross anatomical variations of liver and their clinical and surgical implications. Methods and Results: Present morphological study was conducted on 50 embalmed human livers in the Department of Anatomy, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi,India. Different variations in lobes, fissures and accessory lobes or fissures were observed. The liver specimens were also classified according to netter’s six types of liver variations. Conclusion: The findings of our study may be helpful for surgeons and radiologist to avoid possible errors in interpretations and subsequent misdiagnosis, and to assist in planning appropriate surgical approaches.

Origin of cystic artery from hepatic artery proper and its surgical implications.

Cystic artery is usually a branch of right hepatic artery given in the Calot’s triangle. Variations in the origin of cystic artery have been reported but there is paucity of literature regarding these in Indian subjects. The present case describes the origin of cystic artery from the hepatic artery proper, with an unusual course, which was detected during routine cadaveric dissection. The development of biliary vasculature is quite complex and it accounts for many variations. Knowledge of cystic artery variability facilitates intraoperative identification of vessels in both classical and laparoscopic surgery of the bile ducts. This emphasises the importance of a thorough knowledge of the cystic arterial variations that often occur and may be encountered during both laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy. Uncontrolled bleeding from the cystic artery and its branches is a serious problem that may increase the risk of intraoperative lesions to vital vascular and biliary structures during hepatobiliary surgery.