The right colic flexure, or hepatic flexure, is the bend where the ascending colon turns left to become the transverse colon. It sits under the right lobe of the liver, in front of the lower part of the right kidney. It lies close to the gallbladder and the descending duodenum.
| Location | Right upper quadrant, under the right lobe of the liver and anterior to the right kidney |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Vagus nerve (parasympathetic); Superior mesenteric plexus, from lesser splanchnic nerves (sympathetic) |
| Blood Supply | Right colic artery; Right branch of the middle colic artery |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Connects the ascending and transverse colon and allows the colon to turn across the abdomen.
At colonoscopy it is often recognised by the bluish shadow of the liver through the bowel wall. When the colon slips between the liver and the diaphragm, the gas looks like free air on X-ray (Chilaiditi sign), which must not be mistaken for perforation. Cancers here are removed by right or extended right hemicolectomy.
Colon cancer at the right colic flexure, which may invade nearby duodenum or gallbladder and is treated by extended right hemicolectomy.
Interposition of the colon between the liver and diaphragm causing pain or obstruction, with gas under the right diaphragm on X-ray.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
