Gastrohepatic Ligament · What Is It, Location, and More

The gastrohepatic ligament (GHL) is a peritoneal fold, a double-layered membrane that connects the liver to the stomach and part of the esophagus. Between the two layers of this peritoneum (i.e., he connective tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers the organs) lies a layer of fat. This fat protects the structures that run through the ligament, including the right and left gastric vessels, branches of the vagus nerve, and the left gastric chain of lymph nodes.  

Together with the hepatoduodenal ligament (which links the liver to the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine), the GHL forms the lesser omentum. The lesser omentum provides structural and vascular support to major digestive organs including the liver, esophagus, and stomach.  

The gastrohepatic ligament is responsible for anchoring and stabilizing the stomach and liver within the abdominal cavity. Additionally, the GHL protects the right and left gastric arteries and veins, branches of the vagus nerve, and the left gastric lymph nodes. The GHL is often used as a landmark in surgery and dissected to gain access to the pancreas or to the lesser curvature of the stomach.   

Ruptures, or tears, of the GHL are rarely diagnosed, as their symptoms typically mimic those of other liver injuries. Ultrasound can detect tears of the GHL by identifying collection of fluid including blood within the peritoneal cavity. Intraperitoneal fluid collection is often noticeable only in Morison’s pouch, which is the space below the liver and above the right kidney.