Detailed Dissection of Hepato-caval Junction and Suprarenal Inferior Vena Cava

Background/aims: There are few anatomical studies on hepatic vein compared to hepatic artery and portal vein. The aim of this study is to clarify the branching patterns of hepatic veins, supra and infra-diaphragmatic course of suprarenal inferior vena cava and its relation with the liver.

Methodology: Between March and May 2008, 103 consecutive autopsy examinations were included in the study. Hepatic vein anatomy was classified according to the Broelsch classification. The anatomic relations of supra-diaphragmatic and infra-diaphragmatic (suprarenal) inferior vena cava were revealed.

Results: Majority of subjects have Type a (42.7%) variation. The inferior right hepatic vein was presented alone in 26 and together with middle right hepatic vein in 15 subjects. Most of the phrenic veins were drained to the right-anterior sidewall of inferior vena cava (n=21/25 above the diaphragm and, n=144/306 below the diaphragm). Drainage of the right adrenal vein directly into the right side of the inferior vena cava was found in 82 subjects (80%). Most of subjects had 2 lumbar branches in the posterior sidewall of infradiaphragmatic inferior vena cava (n=92/103).

Conclusions: The proposed classification of hepatic veins and obtained anatomical details from this study provides useful assistance for hepatic surgeons in phases of operative planning and vascular control maneuvers required in liver surgery.