Intrahepatic vascular territories shown by computed tomography (CT). The value of CT in determining resectability of hepatic tumors.

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Abstract
Hepatic vascular anatomy as seen on computed tomography (CT) is correlated with surgical planes. The portal triad structures course in an intralobar and intrasegmental direction but are bounded by interlobar and intersegmental surgical planes which are traversed by the hepatic veins. All of these vessels and planes are oriented cephalocaudally and are shown well on axial CT images following a bolus contrast injection or a combination bolus and drip infusion (80 g I). In a prospective survey of 24 partial hepatectomy candidates evaluated by this technique, with angiographic or surgical corroboration in 15, CT accurately established lack of resectability in 11 patients and was correct in 11 of 13 patients whose tumor was considered resectable. Angiography and surgery may be averted in some partial hepatectomy patients using this technique.