Pathways for the Spread of Disease in the Abdomen and Pelvis

Abstract

Understanding the abdominal and pelvic visceral anatomy is critical to understanding and predicting the pathways by which disease may spread throughout the abdomen and pelvis. The ligamentous attachments that interconnect the intra-abdominal organs are critically important as these are common conduits for the spread of disease. Moreover, the organs and the peritoneal ligaments that support them form the boundaries of the peritoneal cavity, and together, they guide the flow of peritoneal fluid throughout the abdomen and pelvis. Neoplastic and inflammatory processes that extend into the peritoneal cavity may spread through the ascitic fluid that flows through these peritoneal spaces.