Distribution of Extra Hepatic Branches of Portal Vein to Caudate Lobe

Abstract

The caudate lobe of the liver is anatomically distinct from left and right hepatic lobes. Kumon first divided it into three parts: Spiegel lobe, paracaval portion and caudate process. The present study was conducted to note the extra hepatic branching pattern of PV and its distribution to various parts of caudate lobe and to note its variations. Eighty six cadaveric livers were studied. Number of branches from extra hepatic part of portal vein supplying different parts of caudate lobe, their origin from right branch (RPV) or left branch of portal vein (LPV) or from hilar bifurcation (HB) was noted. Their distribution to the parts of caudate lobe and diameter at origin was noted. At least one separate branch to caudate lobe from extra hepatic part of PV was present in 93.02% livers. 62.11% branches were originating from LPV, 26.09% from hilar bifurcation and 11.8% were from the RPV. Spiegel lobe received 98.64% from LPV and 1.35% from HB. Paracaval portion was supplied by 43.54% branches from LPV, 48.39% from HB and 8.06% from RPV. The caudate process received 56% branches from RPV and 44% from HB. Knowledge of vascular anatomy of caudate lobe is important for hepatic surgeons and for anatomists.