Hilar liver resection in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To describe hepatic vasculobiliary anatomy important to hilar liver lobe resection in the dog.


METHODS
Experimental study.


METHODS
Canine cadavers (n=7).


METHODS
The vasculobiliary system of 7 fresh canine livers was injected with a polymer. The parenchyma was dissected at the level of the hilus to determine the vascular and biliary supply to each liver lobe, and then macerated with a corrosion preparation. The information gathered was used to describe a surgical approach for hilar liver lobe resection.


RESULTS
Each liver lobe had a single hepatic artery and biliary duct. The location of these structures was consistent, although minor variations existed (dorsal versus ventral to the lobar portal vein) in the left lateral lobe and papillary process in 2 specimens. Most liver lobes (34/49) were supplied by 1 lobar portal vein and drained by 1 lobar hepatic vein (39/49). The location of the portal and hepatic veins was consistent among specimens.


CONCLUSIONS
The left division is the most mobile of the liver lobes and each lobe can be removed separately or en bloc. Because of the location of the hepatic veins, the central division is best removed as a single unit. The right lateral lobe can be removed individually or together with the caudate process. The papillary process is removed by itself.


CONCLUSIONS
A hilar liver lobectomy technique can provide an alternative approach to conventional procedures for tumors that encroach upon the hilus of the liver.
Covey
Jennifer L
JL
Michigan Veterinary Specialists, 29080 Inkster Road, Southfield, MI 48034, USA. jlcovey@michvet.com
Degner
Daniel A
DA
Jackson
Andrew H
AH
Hofeling
Andrew D
AD
Walshaw
Richard
R
D000818:Animals; D017734:Bile Ducts, Extrahepatic / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply; D001653:Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply; D001662:Biliary Tract Surgical Procedures / Q000662:veterinary*; D002102:Cadaver; D004210:Dissection / Q000662:veterinary; D004285:Dogs / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery; D006498:Hepatectomy; D006499:Hepatic Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006503:Hepatic Veins / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008099:Liver / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery