Number and Pattern of Hepatic and Accessory Hepatic Veins

Abstract

Introduction: Liver receives dual blood supply from hepatic artery and portal vein. Venous blood from Liver to inferior vena cava is drained by three hepatic veins. The number, pattern and mode of termination of hepatic veins into inferior vena cava is not always same. Variations in number, pattern and positions of the hepatic veins and their mode of termination do exist which significantly influence surgical interventions on liver especially during transplantation. Materials and Methods: 28 wet formalin preserved specimens were taken for the present study. A longitudinal incision was given in the inferior vena cava to observe the number, pattern and arrangement of hepatic veins openings into inferior vena. The specimens were preserved after routine dissection classes Result: 19 livers of 28 (67.86%) were found to be drained by three major hepatic veins, whereas 9 livers out of 28 (32.14) presented with accessory hepatic veins in addition to major hepatic veins. The number of accessory veins ranged from 1-3. Out of the nine specimens with accessory hepatic veins seven (77.77%) presented with three plus one pattern (3 major hepatic veins 1 accessory hepatic vein).Three plus two and three plus three pattern was observed in one specimen each (11.11%). The arrangement of three major veins from left to right was left hepatic, middle hepatic and right hepatic. The openings of all accessory veins were found below the openings of major hepatic veins. Conclusion: A sound knowledge of Accessory hepatic veins and their pattern is essential for Radiologists and also for liver transplant surgeons to reduce postoperative complications.