The hepatoduodenal ligament forms the anterior boundary of the epiploic foramen (foramen of Winslow). Pringle's manoeuvre compresses this ligament to control hepatic bleeding. Which three structures run within the hepatoduodenal ligament?

• A Hepatic artery proper, portal vein, common bile duct ✓
• B Common hepatic artery, inferior vena cava, portal vein
• C Cystic duct, right hepatic artery, portal vein
• D Hepatic artery proper, hepatic veins, common bile duct

Explanation

The hepatoduodenal ligament (the free edge of the lesser omentum) contains the portal triad: the common bile duct lies anterior and to the right, the hepatic artery proper anterior and to the left, and the portal vein posteriorly. Pringle's manoeuvre — compression of this ligament between finger and thumb (or a clamp) — arrests hepatic inflow by occluding the hepatic artery and portal vein simultaneously, helping control bleeding during liver surgery. The hepatic veins drain directly into the IVC, which lies behind the epiploic foramen and is not controlled by this manoeuvre.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

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