Ligament
Hepatoduodenal ligament
Portal pedicle in the free lesser-omental margin
High-yield
The usual arrangement places bile duct right anterior, hepatic artery left anterior and portal vein posterior; arterial and ductal variants can alter the pattern.
Overview
The hepatoduodenal ligament connects the liver hilum with the proximal duodenum. As the free right edge of the lesser omentum, it carries the principal hepatic inflow vessels and the extrahepatic bile passage. The epiploic foramen lies directly behind it.
Reference facts
- Attachments
- Runs between the porta hepatis and superior duodenum as the free right margin of the lesser omentum.
- Function
- Transmits portal vein, hepatic arterial supply, bile duct, lymphatics and autonomic nerves; forms the anterior boundary of the epiploic foramen.
- Clinical point
- Temporary pedicle occlusion reduces portal and arterial inflow in the Pringle maneuver. Persistent bleeding can reflect venous injury, collateral/variant inflow or incomplete occlusion, so it is not proof of one specific vessel injury.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the hepatoduodenal ligament attach?
Runs between the porta hepatis and superior duodenum as the free right margin of the lesser omentum.
What does the hepatoduodenal ligament do?
Transmits portal vein, hepatic arterial supply, bile duct, lymphatics and autonomic nerves; forms the anterior boundary of the epiploic foramen.
Why does the hepatoduodenal ligament matter clinically?
Temporary pedicle occlusion reduces portal and arterial inflow in the Pringle maneuver. Persistent bleeding can reflect venous injury, collateral/variant inflow or incomplete occlusion, so it is not proof of one specific vessel injury.