Revisiting liver anatomy and terminology of hepatectomies

Abstract

Background: Since the development of liver surgery, several descriptions of liver anatomical division and hepatectomies have been made, causing some confusion among surgeons.

Methods: The initial anatomical description according to Couinaud is reviewed and corrected taking into account the descriptions made in the following decades.

Results: It seems that by reviewing the description of the different authors, a precise anatomical division of the liver may be achieved and a simple terminology of hepatectomies may be proposed.

Conclusions: It is hoped that the proposal of this anatomical description and this terminology of hepatectomies may find a consensus among the liver surgical community from America, Asia, and Europe.