The hepatoduodenal ligament forms the anterior border of the epiploic foramen (foramen of Winslow). During hepatic surgery, a Pringle manoeuvre compresses this structure to control bleeding. Which three structures does this ligament contain?

• A Hepatic artery proper (posterior), portal vein (left anterior), and common bile duct (right anterior)
• B Common bile duct (posterior), hepatic artery (left), and portal vein (right)
• C Portal vein (posterior), hepatic artery proper (left anterior), and common bile duct (right anterior) ✓
• D Portal vein (anterior), hepatic artery (posterior), and common hepatic duct (medial)

Explanation

The hepatoduodenal ligament contains the portal triad: the portal vein lies posteriorly (largest structure), the hepatic artery proper lies anteriorly on the left, and the common bile duct lies anteriorly on the right (the mnemonic DAVE: Duct Anterior right, Artery Anterior left, Vein Everything else/posterior). Pringle's manoeuvre involves compressing this ligament between thumb and index finger to control inflow during hepatic resection. Identifying these structures prevents inadvertent biliary or arterial injury.

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

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.