Posterior right subhepatic space

The posterior right subhepatic space (also known as the hepatorenal fossa or Morison's pouch) separates the liver from the right kidney. It is a potential space that is not filled with any fluid in normal conditions.

Gross anatomy

Posterior right subhepatic space is a subcompartment of the supramesocolic space and is separated from the anterior right subhepatic space by the transverse mesocolon.

Boundaries

The recess is bounded:

• anterior: right lobe of the liver and gallbladder
• posterior: superior aspect right kidney; right adrenal gland; second part of the duodenum; hepatic flexure; pancreatic head
• inferior: transverse mesocolon

Communications

The posterior right subhepatic space communicates with the right subphrenic space and right paracolic gutter. The subhepatic space communicates with the lesser sac via the foramen of Winslow.

Related pathology

Fluid (e.g. ascites or haemoperitoneum) accumulates here as it is the lowest dependent spaces of the peritoneal cavity from a wide range of causes. It is also a preferential site for metastases and abscesses.