Morphological Variation of liver and it's clinical importance.

Background: Liver is the largest abdominal viscera located in right hypochondrium, epigastrium and left hypochondrium in the abdomen proper. The present study helps radiologists in diagnosis and surgeons in preventing undue surgical complication. The most common causes for morphological variation of liver is embryological in origin. Aim: To determine gross anatomical variations of liver and its clinical importance. Materials and methods: A total of 50 formalin fixed cadaveric livers irrespective of the age, gender studied in the Department of Anatomy, Basaveshwara Medical College and Hospital, Chitradurga, Subbaiah Institute Of Medical Sciences Shimoga Karnataka. Morphological variationswere found in 34 cadavers. The preserved normal livers were studied under day light and photos were recorded. Results: 68%specimens had variations(34 out of 50). Accessory fissures were seen in 26 (52%) specimens, elongated left lobe in 8 (16%) specimens and lingular projection of left lobe in 6(12%) specimens. Ponshepatis observed in 5(10%) specimen. Hypertrophied papillary process was present in 4(8%)specimen. Conclusion: Knowledge of such morphological variations will help the anatomist, radiologists in better interpretation and also surgeons to plan for surgical procedures thereby preventing undue complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]