Location
Suwanee, GA
Start Date
17-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
17-4-2026 1:00 PM
Description
Introduction: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer around the world, and is the leading cause of cancer-related death. The majority of these are adenocarcinomas, and one common issue of adenocarcinomas is metastasis to the liver. Generally, this is caused through the hepatic portal vein which drains venous blood into the liver.
Objective: The primary objective of this case study is to present the anatomical findings and clinical significance of hepatomegaly due to metastasis of adenocarcinoma in the sigmoid colon.
Methods: Routine dissection of the cadaver was performed during anatomy lab and then photos of the liver and surrounding gastrointestinal structures were obtained. Permissions were obtained from the body donation program to document and publish the findings.
Results: Prior to the dissection, a greatly distended stomach region was observed, and dissection revealed an enlarged liver which had a flat appearance and extended inferiorly, far beyond its typical boundaries. At the most inferior, it reached the level of the umbilicus. On the liver, adhesions, fascial hardening, and a removed gallbladder were noted. Compression of surrounding gastrointestinal structures was also noted, along with atrophy of muscles throughout the body.
Conclusion: This case shows the impact of an enlarged liver potentially originating from an adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon, which likely would travel through the hepatic portal vein. The hepatomegaly observed caused compression of the major structures in the abdomen, most notably the stomach. The significantly smaller stomach size can lead to early satiety and reduced food intake which would contribute to the malnutrition seen. Hepatomegaly to this degree could complicate surgeries in the epigastric region, as it would lower access to the transverse colon and parts of the descending and ascending colon. It would also shift many anatomical landmarks like the kidney and small intestines making identification of structures more difficult.
Embargo Period
6-1-2026
Included in
Anatomical and Clinical relevance of Hepatomegaly Alongside Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of the Sigmoid Colon
Suwanee, GA
Introduction: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer around the world, and is the leading cause of cancer-related death. The majority of these are adenocarcinomas, and one common issue of adenocarcinomas is metastasis to the liver. Generally, this is caused through the hepatic portal vein which drains venous blood into the liver.
Objective: The primary objective of this case study is to present the anatomical findings and clinical significance of hepatomegaly due to metastasis of adenocarcinoma in the sigmoid colon.
Methods: Routine dissection of the cadaver was performed during anatomy lab and then photos of the liver and surrounding gastrointestinal structures were obtained. Permissions were obtained from the body donation program to document and publish the findings.
Results: Prior to the dissection, a greatly distended stomach region was observed, and dissection revealed an enlarged liver which had a flat appearance and extended inferiorly, far beyond its typical boundaries. At the most inferior, it reached the level of the umbilicus. On the liver, adhesions, fascial hardening, and a removed gallbladder were noted. Compression of surrounding gastrointestinal structures was also noted, along with atrophy of muscles throughout the body.
Conclusion: This case shows the impact of an enlarged liver potentially originating from an adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon, which likely would travel through the hepatic portal vein. The hepatomegaly observed caused compression of the major structures in the abdomen, most notably the stomach. The significantly smaller stomach size can lead to early satiety and reduced food intake which would contribute to the malnutrition seen. Hepatomegaly to this degree could complicate surgeries in the epigastric region, as it would lower access to the transverse colon and parts of the descending and ascending colon. It would also shift many anatomical landmarks like the kidney and small intestines making identification of structures more difficult.