Introduction

INTRODUCTION

The liver is a highly complex organ found only in vertebrates that is responsible for over 500 individual functions. It is located in the right upper quadrant, protected by the ribs, and weighs on average 1.5 /uni00A0 kg (970–1860 /uni00A0 g). It is wedge shaped in both the coronal and axial planes and is divided by the middle hepatic vein into two lobes, with the larger right lobe generally representing 60% by volume. The parenchyma is covered by a thin capsule (Glisson’s capsule) and visceral peritoneum apart from the posterior surface, the ‘bare area’. Surgery for hepatic disease evolved slowly because of the complexity of hepatic function and anatomy . Remarkable progress has been made since the first formal resection in 1952 with the advent of cross-sectional imaging, liver transection technology and low central venous pressure anaesthesia. Progress continues with the incorporation of laparoscopic and robotic surgery and training techniques, including virtual reality .