Abstract

Aim of study: 1) Morphology, morphometry and anatomical variations of retro hepatic segment of IVC. 2) Number, location and morphometry of ostia of major hepatic veins and number of minor openings. Introduction: Inferior vena cava (IVC) is the largest vein in human body and a main channel for venous return from lower limb, pelvis and abdominal viscera. Retro hepatic part lies in a groove in posterior surface of liver. Variations of IVC are important clinically. Hepatic veins drain into IVC near upper end. Variations in number, size and drainage pattern of hepatic veins is important. In surgery knowledge of the openings is relevant in treatment of hepatic trauma with avulsion of hepatic veins and resection of parts of diseased liver. Live doner liver transplantation (LDLT) is an emergency option in patients with end stage liver diseases needs knowledge of IVC and hepatic veins. Materials and methods: Study was done in Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences for a period of 6 months from July 2025 - December 2025. 30 Liver specimens were collected from dept of anatomy from the eviscerated liver from cadavers used for undergraduate students. Posterior wall of IVC was cut longitudinally and length was measured from lower border at caudate process to upper border of IVC. Width of IVC was taken at midpoint of length using vernier calipers. Number and location of major hepatic veins (upper group) openings were noted. Measurement of ostia of opening was taken vertically. Number and location of minor openings were noted. Results: The average length of retro hepatic segment of IVC was 7.66 cm (range 5-10) and width in the midpoint was 8.65 mm (range 0.3 – 26 mm). The openings of hepatic veins were analysed as major openings in the upper part and minor openings in lower part of anterior wall of IVC. The number of major ostia were - Right Hepatic Veins (RHV) 38, Left Hepatic Veins (LHV) 42, Middle Hepatic Veins (MHV) 2. The mean vertical diameter of ostia were as follows – RHV 8.71 mm (range 0.28 – 18), LHV 6.75 mm (range 0.04 -14) and MHV 0.19 – 18mm. Total number of major openings 82 (RHV 38 +MHV 2+ LHV 42). Total number of minor openings were 183. Conclusion: The present study showed the length of retro hepatic segment was 7.66 cm. Number of major hepatic veins openings were (82). The detailed knowledge of morphometry of IVC and hepatic vein openings is important in surgical procedures.

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