Which method is used for liver lesion localization and surgical planning?

Which method is used for liver lesion localization and surgical planning?

• A. Child-Pugh
• B. MELD
• C. AAST
• D. Couinaud

Answer: (D)

Localization of liver lesions and surgical planning rely on the liver’s anatomical segmentation. The Couinaud system divides the liver into eight functionally independent segments defined by the branching patterns of the portal triad and hepatic veins. Each segment has its own inflow and outflow, so a lesion can be described by its segment number and a precise resection boundary can be planned—often a segmentectomy or sectionectomy—while preserving the remaining liver. Preoperative imaging with detailed vascular mapping (CT or MRI) helps map these boundaries for accurate localization. The other concepts mentioned serve different roles: Child-Pugh and MELD assess liver function and prognosis rather than anatomy, and AAST is a trauma-related injury scale rather than a framework for hepatic lesion localization and planned resection.

Localization of liver lesions and surgical planning rely on the liver’s anatomical segmentation. The Couinaud system divides the liver into eight functionally independent segments defined by the branching patterns of the portal triad and hepatic veins. Each segment has its own inflow and outflow, so a lesion can be described by its segment number and a precise resection boundary can be planned—often a segmentectomy or sectionectomy—while preserving the remaining liver. Preoperative imaging with detailed vascular mapping (CT or MRI) helps map these boundaries for accurate localization.

The other concepts mentioned serve different roles: Child-Pugh and MELD assess liver function and prognosis rather than anatomy, and AAST is a trauma-related injury scale rather than a framework for hepatic lesion localization and planned resection.