The transverse portion of the duodenum: A key to unlocking the retroperitoneum
Spencer B. Gay, MD; Laura K. Kunberger, MD; J. Kevin McGraw, MD; Hubert A. Shaffer, MD
Identification of the third portion of the duodenum can be useful inthe evaluation of the retroperitoneum, especially in problematic cases. It serves to divide the relatively complex anatomy of the pancreas and porta hepatis from the less complicated retroeritoneal anatomy below.