The dorsal sector of human liver: Embryological, anatomical and clinical relevance

The dorsal liver sector has been recognized as the parenchyma surrounding t he vena cava and is quite independent of the remaining liver. It is that pa rt of the organ in which the hepatic portion of the vena cava develops and its venous outflow remains strictly connected with the vena cava by means o f multiple, not dissectable effluents as well as with the main hepatic vein s. Therefore, this sector is a major shunt between the main hepatic veins a nd the inferior vena cava, which enlarges and ensures venous drainage for s urvival in cases of Budd-Chiari syndrome. The dorsal sector consists of two segments: a left one (segment I) corresponding roughly to the caudate lobe and a right one (segment IX) in front and on the right of the vena cava, i ncluding the so-called caudate process. The identification of a dorsal live r sector and its detailed anatomy is of primary importance for surgical pra ctice, since cholangiocarcinoma of bile duct hilar confluence extends to th e dorsal sector and makes resection of this sector necessary for efficient therapy and due consideration of the pedicles of segment I and IX is requir ed to perform successful hemihepatectomy as well as liver partition for spl it liver grafting.