Lienorenal Ligament

ligamentum lienorenale

The splenorenal (lienorenal) ligament connects the splenic hilum to the anterior surface of the left kidney, containing the splenic vessels and the tail of the pancreas in its layers. It is divided during splenectomy. In splenomegaly, the spleen elongates inferiorly and medially as the ligament stretches.

Anatomical Data

Attachments

Origin	Splenic hilum
Insertion	Anterior surface of the left kidney

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Actions	Suspends the spleen from the kidney contains the splenic vessels and tail of the pancreas

Attaches the spleen to the posterior abdominal wall and carries the splenic vessels and tail of the pancreas.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Splenectomy requires division of the splenorenal ligament to mobilise the spleen. The tail of the pancreas lying within this ligament is at risk, and pancreatic fistula from tail injury is a recognised complication. Dividing this ligament also allows the spleen, pancreatic tail and left colon to be rotated medially (left medial visceral rotation) to expose the aorta, left kidney and left adrenal. The ligament forms part of the left boundary of the lesser sac. Laparoscopic splenectomy for ITP and haematological conditions provides faster recovery than open approaches.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Pancreatic Tail Injury at Splenectomy

Inadvertent pancreatic tail damage during splenorenal ligament division in splenectomy causing post-operative pancreatic fistula.

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