Anomalous structures of the liver: an anatomical insight.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Anomalous structures of the liver are incidentally detected during autopsies or during routine cadaveric dissection. The present study aimed to observe the abnormal shapes of quadrate lobe, accessory sulci and ligamentum teres of the liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 formalin fixed cadaveric livers (n=20), irrespective of the sex, were taken for this study. These specimens belonged to cadavers of unknown origins. The presence of accessory sulci and abnormalities related to the quadrate lobe and ligamentum teres were studied in detail. Morphometric measurements were taken for the abnormal accessory sulci and abnormal quadrate lobes. RESULTS: Variable shapes of the quadrate lobes were observed with 8 (40%) being rectangular, 6 (30%) being pear-shaped, 4 (20%) being triangular and another 2 specimens (10%) which were square in shape. The presences of accessory sulci on the diaphragmatic surface of the liver were observed in 2 specimens (10%). Ligamentum teres traversed the groove in 18 (90%) while in 2 (10%) specimens, the ligamentum teres was embedded in the groove and it was covered by parenchymatous tissue of the liver it from the side of the quadrate lobe. CONCLUSION: Prior anatomical knowledge of the presence of the anomalous structures in the liver with may be helpful for the radiologist and surgeons for correct interpretation of radiographs and planning appropriate hepatobiliary surgeries.

Topographical anatomy of the profunda femoris artery and the femoral nerve: normal and abnormal relationships.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Femoral nerve (FN) is the largest branch of lumbar plexus. It lies lateral to femoral artery (FA) and it is located outside the femoral sheath. Profunda femoris artery (PFA) is a branch of the FA. The present study aimed to observe the topographical anatomy and relationship of the PFA and the FN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 12 embalmed cadaveric lower limbs (7 lefts and 5 rights) were taken and the thighs were dissected in detail. The relationship of PFA and FN were observed. Appropriate measurements were taken and the specimens were photographed. RESULTS: The PFA originated from the FA in all the 12 specimens (100%). In 10 specimens (83.3%), the PFA was found to originate lateral to the FA while in 2 specimens, the origin of PFA was posterior to the FA (16.7%). The PFA originated from the FA at a distance of 6.5 + 1.5 cm with regard to the midinguinal point. All FN were found to lie outside the femoral sheaths. Out of the 12 specimens, only 2 specimens (16.7%) exhibited the FN to lie posterior to the PFA, while in 10 specimens (83.3%), the FN was found to lie anterior to the PFA. CONCLUSION: Prior anatomical knowledge of structures in the anterior compartment of thigh may be helpful for surgeons performing nerve block, cannulation and catheterization. Knowledge of abnormal anatomy of the FN and PFA is important in order to prevent any inadvertent injury to the PFA or FN.