Frequency and Morphological Pattern of Rouvier’s Sulcus in Human Liver

BACKGROUND: Rouvier’s Sulcus is present as an indentation on the inferior aspect of right lobe of liver. It is used as an anatomical landmark by surgeons to begin dissection during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It may be oriented horizontally, obliquely or vertically. The aim of our study was to determine morphological appearance of this important landmark accurately, measure its size, find out its frequency of occurrence, types and orientation. METHOD: A cross sectional study was conducted on 38 formalin fixed cadaveric livers. The livers which were healthy on gross examination were taken and measurement of rouvier’s sulcus was done along with its type and orientation. RESULTS: Rouvier’s sulcus was present in 68% of the sample (mean length: 2.91cm). Three types were observed: Type 1A (46%), Type 1B (23%), and Type 2 (26.9%). Type 3 was rare (3.8%). Sulcus orientation was mainly oblique (80.7%) or horizontal (19.2%). CONCLUSION: The rouvier’s sulcus is a consistent, easily identifiable landmark unaffected by biliary inflammation or cirrhosis. Its most common morphology noted is Type I, facilitates clear visualization of biliary and vascular structures.