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.