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Background and objective: The liver, being the largest organ in the body exhibits various gross morphological characteristics that are valuable and important in diagnostic and interventional radiology as well as in gastroenterological and surgical procedures. This descriptive observational study documents the surface morphological variations of the right lobe of the human liver.Methods: 10% formalin-fixed liver specimens used for undergraduate anatomy teaching at the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya were studied for the surface morphology of the right lobe for shape, diaphragmatic grooves, accessory fissures, and lobes.Results: Twenty specimens from donors above 65 years of age with a female majority (60%) were studied. Morphologically normal right lobes were seen in 11 (55%). Others showed several variations. Accessory fissures were seen in 4 (20%) cases. Accessory lobes were found in 2 (10%) with Ridel’s lobe in 1 (5%) case. Diaphragmatic grooves and costal grooves were reported in 1 (5%) each. Saddle-shaped liver was present in two (10%) cases while 2 (10%) had a hump/ conical-shaped right lobe. A large right lobe was seen in one (5%) specimen.Conclusion: Variations in the shape of the liver and surface morphology of the right lobe are frequent. Knowledge regarding these variations will prevent misdiagnosis of lesions and normal anatomy as well as prevent iatrogenic injuries during procedures of the organ and the surrounding area.
Jayarathna et al. (Wed,) studied this question.