Liver Hilium: Explication, Structure, Role, and Additional Information
The liver hilum, a crucial gateway to the liver, plays a vital role in facilitating the transport of nutrients, blood, and other essential materials to and from the liver. Located on the underside of the liver, near the center, specifically across the left underside of the right lobe of the liver, the liver hilum is the site where several important structures pass through.
Known as the porta hepatis, the liver hilum is a fissure or opening in the liver that allows various structures to pass into and out of the liver. These structures include the common duct, hepatic artery proper, and portal vein. The gallbladder, tucked under the liver, is also situated at the liver hilum.
While the liver hilum performs essential functions, it is also susceptible to various conditions. Common issues that can affect the liver hilum include biliary complications such as bile duct leaks and strictures, ischemic injuries, cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), liver transplant-related complications, anatomical variations or surgical trauma, and underlying liver diseases like cirrhosis and inflammatory conditions.
Biliary complications, such as leaks and strictures, are common after liver surgery or transplantation and can cause obstruction or leakage of bile at the hilum, leading to cholestasis or peritonitis. Strictures can be anastomotic (at the surgical connection) or non-anastomotic (ischemic cholangiopathy), often related to blood flow impairment.
Ischemic injuries affecting the bile ducts due to impaired hepatic artery blood flow can cause biloma (accumulation of bile outside the biliary system), damage bile duct walls, and promote infections around the hilum.
Cholangiocarcinoma, especially at the hepatic hilum (hilar cholangiocarcinoma or Klatskin tumor), arises from bile duct epithelium and disrupts normal biliary drainage and liver function.
Liver transplant-related complications, including acute and chronic rejection affecting liver function and vascular structures at the hilum, along with complications from immunosuppression and recurrent liver disease, can also impact the liver hilum.
Anatomical variations or surgical trauma during procedures like cholecystectomy can threaten the integrity of bile ducts in the hilum, causing leaks or strictures. Underlying liver diseases such as cirrhosis and inflammatory conditions can also involve the hilum secondarily by affecting blood flow or biliary drainage, sometimes leading to portal hypertension or neoplastic changes.
Thrombosis in the liver hilum can lead to portal hypertension, a condition characterised by increased pressure in the portal vein system.
It is essential for individuals to consult a doctor if they experience symptoms such as reduced appetite, feeling tired or weak, nausea, vomiting, losing weight without trying, mild pain or discomfort in the upper, right side of the abdomen.
The liver, with its various parts like the liver hilum, plays a crucial role in the body, allowing it to function and interact with other parts. Located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, the liver hilum is a vital component of this complex organ, serving as a key gateway for essential materials to enter and exit the liver.
- Other liver disorders, such as bile duct leaks, strictures, cholangiocarcinoma, ischemic injuries, and anatomical variations, can affect the liver hilum, a critical site in the liver where important structures pass through.
- Science and medical research in the field of oncology have identified pancreatic cancer and liver transplant-related complications as additional health-and-wellness issues that can impact the liver hilum.
- Thrombosis in the liver hilum can result in a medical condition called portal hypertension, characterized by increased pressure in the portal vein system.
- It is advisable for individuals to seek medical advice if they encounter symptoms like reduced appetite, feeling tired or weak, nausea, vomiting, unintended weight loss, or mild pain or discomfort in the upper, right side of the abdomen, as these may indicate potential problems with the liver and the liver hilum.
