Epiploic Foramen

Question 1

Epiploic foramen

Answer 1

Orifice through which lesser sac communicates with greater sac

Question 2

Site

Answer 2

Directly behind lesser omentum free right border at T12 vertebra level

Question 3

Boundaries: anterior

Answer 3

Structures in lesser omentum free border:
1. Portal vein (most posterior)
2. Hepatic artery (anterior to vein to lateral of duct)
3. Bile duct (anterior to vein and right of artery)

Question 4

Boundaries: posterior

Answer 4

IVC (finger in foramen has portal vein in front of it and IVC behind it)

Question 5

Boundaries: superior

Answer 5

Caudate process of liver caudate lobe

Question 6

Boundaries: inferior

Answer 6

1. Duodenum 1st inch
2. Part of portal vein where it curves forwards from behind duodenum to enter lesser omentum free border

Question 7

Applied anatomy: liver hemorrhage

Answer 7

Can be controlled by compressing portal vein and hepatic artery in lesser omentum free border by finger inserted in Epiploic foramen

Question 8

Applied anatomy: common bile duct exploration

Answer 8

In lesser omentum free border can be done by finger inserted in Epiploic foramen

Question 9

Applied anatomy: internal hernia

Answer 9

Small intestine coils may pass through Epiploic foramen leading to internal hernia