Beaver Tail Liver: A Morphological Study of Variation in the Left Lobe of the Liver

Abstract

The liver, the largest gland in a wedge-shape, is situated in the right hypochondrium, and exhibits variation in its lobes. Knowledge of variations in the lobes of the liver is crucial for accurate radiological diagnosis and successful abdominal surgeries. The elongation of the left lobe of the liver has gained significant attention in segmentectomy and liver transplant surgeries. During October and November 2023, cross-sectional observational research was done on 53 human cadaveric liver specimens obtained from different medical colleges in Gujarat, India. The livers were meticulously examined to determine the prevalence of Beaver tail liver and measurements such as length, breadth, and thickness were recorded and statistically analyzed. The study revealed that out of the 53 livers examined, 29 (54.72%) were classified as normal, while 19 (35.85%) fell into Netter’s type 2 to 7 based on Netter’s classification. Interestingly, 5 (09.43%) livers exhibited an elongated left lobe, referred to as a “sliver liver,” which did not fit into any of the Netter’s types. The beaver tail liver was found to be longer and broader compared to normal liver of the same size and weight (p<0.001). This study highlights the wide range of variations that can be observed in the lobes of the liver. The findings of this study will serve as a valuable resource for radiologists, anatomists, and surgeons, aiding them in accurate diagnoses and surgical procedures, thus minimizing the risk of misdiagnosis.