Porta Hepatis in Normal Liver

Abstract

Background : Hepatic surgery requires comprehensive knowledge of structures passing through porta hepatis. This fact prompted us to undertake the study of porta hepatis (PH). Our aim was to find out the dimensions, shape of porta hepatis and the numerical variations of structures passing through it. Material and Methods: This study was carried out on 25 adult cadaveric formalin preserved human liver. The porta hepatis was identified and its transverse diameter, maximum anteroposterior diameter, various parts of liver contributing in its formation and total circumference were measured using Digital Sliding Vernier Caliper, thread and scale. Number of arteries, veins and ducts passing through it were observed. Observations and Results: The mean transverse diameter, anteroposterior diameter and total circumference of porta hepatis was 3.80 1.03 cm, 1.79 0.43 cm and 13.61 1.92 cm respectively. Maximum contribution to the circumference of PH was made by caudate process (18.8%) and minimum by fossa for gall bladder (13.1%). 8 specimen showed presence of 2 arteries, 1 vein and 1 duct at porta hepatis. Maximum number of arteries, veins and ducts passing through PH were 5, 3 and 3 respectively in one specimen each. In most of the cases the shape of porta hepatis was triangular. Conclusion : The dimensions and shape of porta hepatis; arrangement and number of structures at it is highly variable and hence its knowledge can be of great importance to hepato-billiary surgeons.