What is the Omental Bursa?

Update Date: 2024-05-21 Source: Network

The omental bursa is an irregular large recess of the peritoneal cavity. The anterior wall of the omental bursa consists of the lesser omentum and the peritoneal membrane of the posterior wall of the stomach, while the posterior wall comprises the posterior abdominal wall, pancreas, left kidney, and the peritoneal membrane in front of the left adrenal gland. The superior aspect is formed by the caudate lobe of the liver and the subdiaphragmatic peritoneal membrane, while the inferior boundary is represented by the visceral layer of the peritoneal membrane of the transverse colon and its mesentery. The left boundary is the spleen. The only opening to the right side of the omental bursa, known as the epiploic foramen, communicates with the peritoneal cavity.

The omental bursa can be divided into four parts:

1. The vestibular part of the omental bursa, located between the lesser omentum, the upper part of the duodenum, and the pancreas.
2. The superior recess, situated between the caudate lobe of the liver and the lumbar part of the diaphragm.
3. The inferior recess, delimited by the gastropancreatic fold and the vestibular part, residing between the posterior wall of the stomach, the transverse colon, and its mesentery.
4. The splenic recess, located on the far left side, between the gastrosplenic ligament and the splenorenal ligament.

The omental bursa is a narrow gap between the lesser omentum, the posterior wall of the stomach, and the posterior abdominal wall, also known as the small peritoneal cavity, which is a part of the peritoneal cavity. The anterior wall consists of the lesser omentum, the peritoneal membrane of the posterior wall of the stomach, and the gastrocolic ligament. The posterior wall includes the transverse colon and its mesentery, as well as the peritoneal membrane covering the pancreas, left kidney, and left adrenal gland. The superior wall is formed by the caudate lobe of the liver and the peritoneal membrane beneath the diaphragm. The inferior wall is the junction between the anterior and posterior layers of the greater omentum.

Omental cysts are saccular masses caused by the obstruction of omental lymphatic vessels. They often present as polycystic lesions, with small cysts often asymptomatic. When larger, they can mimic solid tumors, causing abdominal distension, vague abdominal pain, or displacement of internal organs due to compression. Ultrasonic examination can be helpful in diagnosis, and surgical resection may be indicated. Omental cysts are rare, accounting for approximately 50% of all mesenteric cysts. They can be classified into primary and secondary types.