Gastrocolic Ligament

ligamentum gastrocolicum

The gastrocolic ligament is the upper portion of the greater omentum connecting the greater curvature of the stomach to the anterior surface of the transverse colon. It transmits the right and left gastroepiploic vessels along the greater curvature. Entering the lesser sac through the gastrocolic ligament (between the stomach and transverse colon) is the standard approach for procedures on the posterior stomach, pancreatic body and tail, and the posterior lesser sac.

Region: Abdomen

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Connects the stomach to the transverse colon as the upper greater omentum, transmits the gastroepiploic vessels, and forms the anterior wall of the lesser sac.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The gastrocolic ligament is divided to enter the lesser sac for distal pancreatectomy, sleeve gastrectomy, and posterior gastric procedures. The gastroepiploic vessels along the greater curvature must be identified and protected (for pedicled gastroepiploic grafts) or sequentially ligated. The right gastroepiploic artery is harvested as a free or pedicled graft for coronary artery bypass. In gastrectomy, the gastrocolic ligament is divided as part of the greater curvature mobilisation.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Right Gastroepiploic Artery Harvest from Gastrocolic Ligament

The right gastroepiploic artery running along the greater curvature in the gastrocolic ligament provides 15-20 cm of conduit for coronary bypass grafting when harvested as a pedicled graft to the right posterior descending artery; the ligament is divided proximal to the first epiploic branch with preservation of the arcade.