Splenorenal Ligament

ligamentum splenorenale

The splenorenal ligament (lienorenal ligament) connects the splenic hilum to the anterior surface of the left kidney and the retroperitoneum. It transmits the splenic vessels and the tail of the pancreas. It forms the left posterior wall of the lesser sac. Division of the splenorenal ligament mobilises the spleen medially and is the key step in medial rotation of the spleen for left-sided retroperitoneal and distal pancreatic procedures.

Region: Abdomen

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Anchors the spleen to the retroperitoneum, transmits the splenic vessels and pancreatic tail, and defines the left posterior boundary of the lesser sac.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The splenorenal ligament is divided to achieve medial visceral rotation of the spleen (Cattel-Braasch manoeuvre on the left) in retroperitoneal aortic surgery and left adrenalectomy. The pancreatic tail immediately within this ligament means careless division risks pancreatic laceration and post-operative fistula. In splenectomy for trauma, the splenorenal ligament is divided last after hilar control to prevent uncontrolled splenic bleeding from capsular tears during retraction.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Pancreatic Tail Injury in Splenorenal Ligament Division

The tail of the pancreas running within the splenorenal ligament to the splenic hilum is at risk during medial splenic mobilisation and splenectomy; inadvertent pancreatic laceration produces post-operative pancreatic fistula and pseudocyst requiring drainage and octreotide suppression.