An anatomical study of short hepatic veins, with special reference to delineation of the caudate lobe for hanging maneuver of the liver without the usual mobilization

Abstract

Background/purpose: The present study was designed to anatomically assess a very recently reported hanging maneuver of the liver without mobilization, in which forceps are inserted blindly between the inferior vena cava (IVC) and liver parenchyma.

Methods: We dissected 56 formalin-fixed livers (1) to determine whether preservation of the caudate vein (the largest vein draining Spiegel's lobe) and inferior right hepatic vein (IRHV) was possible and (2) to identify the territories drained by other, non-preserved short hepatic veins.

Results: A potential space for insertion of the forceps was found between the openings of the caudate vein and IRHV; however, if preservation of both veins is absolutely necessary, we recommended protecting the IRHV, such as by taping and retracting it. We classified the other short hepatic veins into two categories, i.e., those draining the left portal vein territory and those draining the right territory. The distributions of the openings of the veins in these territories overlapped.

Conclusions: Clear delineation of the left caudate lobe according to the drainage veins appeared to be difficult when the liver was divided along a straight line in front of the IVC.