From the Guidelines
The duodenal hiatus is an anatomical passageway located in the right crus of the diaphragm, allowing the duodenum to connect with the stomach above and the jejunum below, and is smaller and less clinically significant than the esophageal hiatus. This definition is based on general medical knowledge, as the provided evidence does not directly address the definition of the duodenal hiatus.
- The duodenal hiatus serves as an important anatomical landmark in abdominal surgeries and when interpreting cross-sectional imaging of the upper abdomen.
- It represents a point where structures transition between different anatomical compartments, specifically from the abdominal cavity to the retroperitoneal space.
- The duodenal hiatus is relatively fixed in position by peritoneal attachments and surrounding structures, which is why it rarely develops hernias compared to the esophageal hiatus.
- Understanding the duodenal hiatus is crucial for surgeons and medical professionals to navigate and manage various abdominal conditions and procedures, including those related to the duodenum, stomach, and surrounding tissues 1.
From the Research
Definition of Duodenal Hiatus
- The duodenal hiatus is not explicitly defined in the provided studies, but it can be inferred to be a part of the duodenum, which is the first section of the small intestine 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The duodenum is a complex anatomical structure that can be affected by various congenital and acquired lesions, including duodenal webs, annular pancreas, and duplication cysts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Clinical Significance of Duodenal Hiatus
- The clinical significance of the duodenal hiatus is not directly addressed in the provided studies, but it is likely related to the diagnosis and treatment of duodenal lesions and anomalies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies suggest that duodenal lesions and anomalies can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and weight loss, and that accurate diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Diagnostic Approaches to Duodenal Hiatus
- The diagnostic approaches to duodenal hiatus are not explicitly discussed in the provided studies, but they likely involve a combination of imaging modalities, such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as endoscopic and surgical procedures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies suggest that sonography can be a useful diagnostic tool in differentiating congenital intrinsic duodenal anomalies from midgut malrotation, and that 3D reconstruction of the biliary anatomy can be helpful in planning surgical approaches 3, 4.