The porta hepatis is a deep, transverse fissure containing branches of the:

The (hepatic) portal vein, proper hepatic artery, and common bile duct (portal triad) approach the porta hepatis by coursing within the hepatoduodenal ligament at the right edge of the lesser omentum with the portal vein posterior, and the hepatic artery to the left of the common bile duct.

The hepatoduodenal ligament/portal triad is located anterior to the omental foramen (epiploic foramen or “foramen of Winslow” - the only natural opening to the lesser sac, also known as the omental bursa). Directly posterior to the omental foramen is the inferior vena cava. During surgery, bleeding from the liver can be controlled by the Pringle maneuver, clamping the structures within the hepatoduodenal ligament (portal vein and hepatic artery).

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Porta hepatis