Space
Paracolic gutters
Lateral peritoneal routes beside the colon
High-yield
The right gutter connects the pelvis and lower abdomen with right subhepatic spaces. Fluid movement also depends on posture, pressure, adhesions and the volume present.
Overview
The clinically prominent paracolic gutters run beside the ascending and descending colon. They connect lower peritoneal regions with spaces farther superiorly, with freer upward communication on the right. The left phrenicocolic attachment limits, but does not create an absolute barrier to, spread toward the left subphrenic region.
Reference facts
- Boundaries
- Between ascending/descending colon medially and lateral abdominal parietal peritoneum laterally; the phrenicocolic ligament limits the superior left route.
- Contents
- Normally a thin fluid film; blood, inflammatory fluid or malignant cells can travel along the potential spaces.
- Communications
- Right gutter communicates with right subhepatic and pelvic regions; the left communicates inferiorly with pelvis and has more restricted superior access near the splenic flexure.
Clinical correlation
Inflammatory fluid from an upper abdominal source can reach the right iliac region, while lower abdominal infection can extend toward the liver. These pathways explain why pain or a collection may be distant from the source.
Frequently asked questions
What are the boundaries of the paracolic gutters?
Between ascending/descending colon medially and lateral abdominal parietal peritoneum laterally; the phrenicocolic ligament limits the superior left route.
What do the paracolic gutters contain?
Normally a thin fluid film; blood, inflammatory fluid or malignant cells can travel along the potential spaces.
What do the paracolic gutters communicate with?
Right gutter communicates with right subhepatic and pelvic regions; the left communicates inferiorly with pelvis and has more restricted superior access near the splenic flexure.