Morphology of liver.

Background: Liver size is related to body surface area. The present study was conducted to assess liver size and to find its relationship with body parameters. Also, the external surface of liver was studied for presence of fissures, which may demarcate the vascular segments and the blood vessels beneath them and may help the surgeon for resection of liver segment.

Material And Methods: Apparently normal liver specimens were obtained from 50 cadavers aged 19-65 years. Measurements of liver diameters were taken with the help of Vernier Calipers. Volume of liver was taken by water displacement method. Means and standard deviation of data were calculated and liver dimensions were co-related with body parameters.

Results: The mean maximum transverse diameter was 199.4 + 24.5 mm and maximum vertical diameter was 149.5 + 18.7 mm. Significant correlations were observed between Maximum anteroposterior diameter and body mass index (p < 0.05);Vertical diameter at falciform ligament and body weight (p < 0.01);Highly significant correlation was seen between liver volume and body surface area (P < 0.001). The fissures showed underlying veins draining into the inferior vena cava in 40% cases.

Conclusions: A significant increase in the body parameters with a corresponding increase in the liver dimensions was found. Study of morphology of liver can help the surgeons to dissect in proper planes to make the resection safe. The surface of liver showed 1-3 fissures distributed on all lobes in 70% specimens demarcating the vascular segments, which may help the surgeon during resection of liver.