Liver Anatomy (liver + anatomy)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Interpreting three-dimensional structures from two-dimensional images: a web-based interactive 3D teaching model of surgical liver anatomy

HPB, Issue 6 2009
Jodi L. Crossingham
Abstract Background:, Given the increasing number of indications for liver surgery and the growing complexity of operations, many trainees in surgical, imaging and related subspecialties require a good working knowledge of the complex intrahepatic anatomy. Computed tomography (CT), the most commonly used liver imaging modality, enhances our understanding of liver anatomy, but comprises a two-dimensional (2D) representation of a complex 3D organ. It is challenging for trainees to acquire the necessary skills for converting these 2D images into 3D mental reconstructions because learning opportunities are limited and internal hepatic anatomy is complicated, asymmetrical and variable. We have created a website that uses interactive 3D models of the liver to assist trainees in understanding the complex spatial anatomy of the liver and to help them create a 3D mental interpretation of this anatomy when viewing CT scans. Methods:, Computed tomography scans were imported into DICOM imaging software (OsiriXÔ) to obtain 3D surface renderings of the liver and its internal structures. Using these 3D renderings as a reference, 3D models of the liver surface and the intrahepatic structures, portal veins, hepatic veins, hepatic arteries and the biliary system were created using 3D modelling software (Cinema 4DÔ). Results:, Using current best practices for creating multimedia tools, a unique, freely available, online learning resource has been developed, entitled Visual Interactive Resource for Teaching, Understanding And Learning Liver Anatomy (VIRTUAL Liver) (http://pie.med.utoronto.ca/VLiver). This website uses interactive 3D models to provide trainees with a constructive resource for learning common liver anatomy and liver segmentation, and facilitates the development of the skills required to mentally reconstruct a 3D version of this anatomy from 2D CT scans. Discussion:, Although the intended audience for VIRTUAL Liver consists of residents in various medical and surgical specialties, the website will also be useful for other health care professionals (i.e. radiologists, nurses, hepatologists, radiation oncologists, family doctors) and educators because it provides a comprehensive resource for teaching liver anatomy. [source]


Anatomic segmental resection compared to major hepatectomy in the treatment of liver neoplasms

HPB, Issue 3 2005
THOMAS S HELLING MD
Abstract Background. Familiarity with liver anatomy and refinements in operative technique have led to interest in liver conservation when dealing with hepatic tumors. There is thought to be less morbidity, less blood loss (EBL), a shorter hospital stay (LOS), and no penalty for long-term survival with segmental hepatectomy. Methods. One hundred ninety-six patients who underwent segmental (SEG group) (N=70) or major (MAJOR group) (N=126) hepatectomy for liver neoplasms were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical parameters of mortality, morbidity, EBL, LOS, and actuarial survival in patients with colorectal metastases were examined. Results. There were no differences in age or gender between the SEG and MAJOR groups. There were no deaths among 64 non-cirrhotic patients in the SEG group and 4 deaths (3.2%) among 124 non-cirrhotic patients in the MAJOR group (p=0.19). There were 4 postoperative complications in the SEG group (5.6%) and 22 in the MAJOR group (17.3%) (p<0.05). The EBL for the SEG group was 912±842 ml compared to 3675±3110 ml in the MAJOR group (p<0.001). The hospital LOS for the SEG group was 9.4±6.4 days and for the MAJOR group 10.2±5.9 days (p=0.32). Life table analysis of survival for resection of colorectal metastases showed two-year patient survival of 40% in the SEG group (N=17) and 45% for the MAJOR group (N=46). Conclusion. Segmental resections were associated with less EBL and fewer postoperative complications. There was a trend towards fewer deaths in non-cirrhotic patients, and no apparent penalty for a smaller hepatic resection in long-term survival. While sometimes technically more challenging, segmental resections are preferable when feasible and should be utilized in efforts to conserve liver parenchyma. [source]


Technique and outcome of autologous portal Y-graft interposition for anomalous right portal veins in living donor liver transplantation

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 4 2009
Shin Hwang
This study was intended to describe in detail the surgical technique and long-term outcome of autologous portal vein (PV) Y-graft interposition for adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We assessed the outcome of 841 patients who underwent right lobe LDLT from January 2002 to December 2007 with respect to the reconstruction of double-graft PVs. PV anatomy of the donor livers was classified as type I in 796 patients (94.6%), type II in 15 patients (1.8%), and type III in 30 patients (3.6%). Seven type II grafts and all type III PV grafts had double PV orifices. Autologous PV Y-graft interposition was used in 31 patients, and complications occurred in only 1 patient during a median follow-up of 27 months. Overall, the 1- and 3-year graft survival rates were 87.5% and 80.6%, respectively. Use of a Y-graft was not a risk factor for biliary complications, but the liver anatomy of anomalous PV per se seems to be associated with a higher occurrence of biliary complications, especially during the early posttransplant period. The favorable outcome and technical feasibility of autologous portal Y-graft interposition imply that this technique could be the standard procedure for reconstruction of right lobe grafts with double PV orifices. Liver Transpl 15:427,434, 2009. © 2009 AASLD. [source]


First description of the surgical anatomy of the cynomolgus monkey liver

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2009
Corinne Vons
Abstract No detailed description of nonhuman primate liver anatomy has been reported and little is known about the similarity between such livers and human liver. The cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) was used to establish a preclinical model of genetically modified hepatocytes auto transplantation. Here, we report information gleaned from careful observation and notes obtained from 59 female cynomolgus monkeys undergoing 44 anatomical hepatic resections, 12 main portal vein division dissections and selective branch ligations, and 46 portographies. Additionally, three anatomical liver dissections after total resection at autopsy were performed and served to confirm peroperative observations and for photography to provide illustrations. Our results indicate that the cynomolgus monkey liver has four lobes: the median (the largest), the right and left lateral, and the caudate lobes. In 60% (N=20) of individuals the portal bifurcates into right and left portal veins, in the remaining 40% (N=14) the portal vein trifurcates into right anterior, right posterior, and left portal veins. The anatomy and branching pattern of the hepatic artery and bile ducts closely follow those of the portal branches. Functionally, the cynomolgus monkey liver can be divided into eight independent segments. Thus, we report the first detailed description of the hepatic and portal surgical anatomy of the cynomolgus monkey. The cynomolgus monkey liver is more similar to the human liver than are livers of any small or large nonprimate mammals that have been described. Am. J. Primatol. 71:400,408, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Segmental nature of the porcine liver and its potential as a model for experimental partial hepatectomy,

BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 4 2003
F. G. Court
Background: In-depth knowledge of pig liver anatomy allows potential research into segmental liver resections and hepatic regeneration, as well as liver transplantation techniques. The segmental anatomy, however, remains largely unknown. This study aimed to delineate the segmental anatomy of the porcine liver in comparison with that of the human. Methods: The segmental anatomy of the porcine liver was determined using acrylic injection casting of ex vivo pig livers, allowing the arterial, venous and biliary supply to be visualized directly. This was correlated using multi-slice computed tomography (CT) and three-dimensional reconstructions. Results: Although the external morphology of the porcine liver differs from that of the human, the segmental anatomy is remarkably similar in term of its vascularity and biliary tree. Conclusion: Acrylic casting of the porcine liver accurately delineates the vascular and biliary anatomy, and is a useful tool for performing experimental liver surgery. The similarities between porcine and human segmental anatomy allow domestic swine to be used as a comparable model. Three-dimensional CT reconstructions can also accurately visualize the anatomy and may be used to perform virtual surgery, or to assess segmental volumes. Copyright © 2003 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]