Hepatoduodenum

Hepatoduodenum refers to the hepatoduodenal region formed by the free edge of the lesser omentum that connects the liver to the duodenum. It is a component of the omental (epiploic) foramen of Winslow, constituting its anterior boundary. This region is anatomically important because it anchors the liver to the first part of the duodenum and lies in a major pathway of hepatobiliary and intestinal structures.

The hepatoduodenal ligament, the thickened free edge of the lesser omentum, contains the portal triad: the portal vein, the proper hepatic artery, and the common bile duct. In addition to these structures, the ligament carries lymphatics and autonomic nerves. The portal triad passes within the ligament as it traverses near the porta hepatis of the liver, connecting the hepatic inflow and biliary drainage to the duodenum.

Clinically, the hepatoduodenal region is significant because occlusion or injury to the hepatoduodenal ligament can control hepatic bleeding. The Pringle maneuver, a common intraoperative technique, involves clamping the hepatoduodenal ligament to temporarily halt inflow through the portal vein and hepatic artery, thereby reducing bleeding from the liver or portal system during surgery. Pathology in this region can affect hepatic perfusion and biliary drainage.

Etymology and usage notes: the term hepatoduodenum combines hepato- (liver) and duodenum. In many anatomical texts, the focus is on the hepatoduodenal ligament and its contents within the lesser omentum; hepatoduodenum is used to describe this region or its peritoneal enclosure in a broader sense.