Study of Variations of Umbilical Fissure for Ligamentum Teres Hepatis in Human Cadaveric Livers

Abstract

Background- The classical umbilical fissure is a groove for ligamentum teres hepatis located on the visceral surface of human liver. It may present several variations as highlighted by the current study.

Materials and Methods- The study comprised of twenty formalin preserved human adult livers of unknown sex harvested from embalmed cadavers. The livers were examined and variations of the umbilical fissure for ligamentum teres hepatis were observed and recorded suitably.

Results- Normal or classical umbilical fissure was observed in only 40% cases. The variations noted were as follows- fibrotic capsule bridging across umbilical fissure (10%); liver parenchyma (pons hepatis) bridging across umbilical fissure(15%); incomplete umbilical fissure with partially demarcated quadrate lobe, but ligamentum  teres hepatis absent(15%); no quadrate lobe(5%); projection (designated as lingual process in this study) arising from right lobe(5%) amd projecting into umbilical fissure; lingual process arising from left lobe(5%) and projecting into umbilical fissure; lingual process arising from both lobes(5%) and projecting into umbilical fissure.

Conclusion- These anatomical variations of umbilical fissure are clinically significant as they can pose challenges in diagnostic and surgical procedures involving the liver.