Normal anatomy of porta hepatis—A cadaveric study

Abstract

Background and Aim Porta hepatis (PH) of the liver acts as a gateway for exit and entry of important structures like portal vein, hepatic artery, and hepatic duct. Having knowledge of variations about the dimensions and structures at PH becomes important to avoid complications during surgical and radiological interventions. Our study aims to observe the dimensions of PH and also the number, arrangement, and variations of structures passing through PH. Materials and Methods Fifty adult cadaveric human livers which were preserved in formalin were studied. Transverse diameter, anteroposterior diameter, and circumference of PH were measured using vernier calipers, measuring scale, and thread. PH was carefully dissected to study the number, arrangement, and combination of arteries, veins, and ducts at PH. Results The mean transverse diameter, anteroposterior diameter, and total circumference of PH was 3.17 ± 0.50, 1.68 ± 0.36, and 10.46 ± 1.415 cm, respectively. Eighteen specimens showed presence of two arteries, two veins, and one duct at PH. Maximum number of arteries, veins, and ducts passing through PH were 5, 4, and 1, respectively. The ducts were anterior, arteries in the middle, and veins were posterior in PH of all the livers. Conclusion The variations observed in our study will be of great importance to anatomists, surgeons, and radiologists.

Keywords

• porta hepatis
• portal vein
• hepatic artery
• hepatic duct