Accurate knowledge of the surgical anatomy of the hepatic veins and inferior vena cava is indispensable for surgeons, since catastrophes usually occur in this area. Material from 83 autopsies was examined concerning the patterns of ramifications of the hepatic veins along with right suprarenal and inferior phrenic veins as well as the length of the various segments of the inferior vena cava. Various maneuvers performed during operations on the liver are dependent upon the surgical anatomy of the hepatic veins and the inferior vena cava.