Revisiting Liver Anatomy and Terminology of Hepatectomies

In Brief Background: Since the development of liver surgery, several descriptions of liver anatomical division and hepatectomies have been made, causing some confusion among surgeons. Methods: The initial anatomical description according to Couinaud is reviewed and corrected taking into account the descriptions made in the following decades. Results: It seems that by reviewing the description of the different authors, a precise anatomical division of the liver may be achieved and a simple terminology of hepatectomies may be proposed. Conclusions: It is hoped that the proposal of this anatomical description and this terminology of hepatectomies may find a consensus among the liver surgical community from America, Asia, and Europe. Since the development of liver surgery and transplantation in these last 30 years, several descriptions of liver anatomical division and hepatectomies have been made. The author returns to liver anatomy looking for what will help for a precise anatomical description and terminology for hepatectomies.