Hepatoduodenal Ligament Detail

ligamentum hepatoduodenale detail

The hepatoduodenal ligament is the free right margin of the lesser omentum, connecting the porta hepatis to the duodenum. It transmits the portal triad — portal vein (posterior), hepatic artery (left), and bile duct (right) — from below the liver to the duodenum.

Region: Abdomen

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Transmits the portal triad from the hepatic hilum to the duodenum, forms the anterior boundary of the epiploic foramen (foramen of Winslow), and provides the critical surgical landmark for hepatic inflow control.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The Pringle manoeuvre — manual compression of the hepatoduodenal ligament between thumb and index finger — occludes hepatic arterial and portal venous inflow simultaneously, allowing up to 60 minutes of safe liver ischaemia during resection. Cholecystectomy always requires identification of the hepatoduodenal ligament triangle (Calot's triangle).

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Pringle Manoeuvre Using Hepatoduodenal Ligament

Digital compression of the hepatoduodenal ligament in the foramen of Winslow during liver resection controls inflow haemorrhage, allowing safe liver parenchymal dissection.

Hepatoduodenal Ligament in Calot's Triangle

The upper boundary of Calot's triangle is the inferior liver margin and the hepatoduodenal ligament — critical identification before cystic duct division in cholecystectomy to prevent bile duct injury.