Paracolic Gutters Fluid

1 free fluid in the right and left subphrenic spaces tracking down both paracolic gutters into the pelvis.

Paracolic gutters fluid.

Dense fluid may suggest hemoperitoneum especially in the context of trauma. Paracolic gutters function to drain fluid that leaks from the colon such as infectious matter pus or bile and to prevent infection or damage to the outer margin of the colon. The right and left paracolic gutters are peritoneal recesses on the posterior abdominal wall lying alongside the ascending and descending colon. The main paracolic gutter lies lateral to the colon on each side.

This drainage occurs in much the same way that the gutters on a house draw the rain off the roof. Infected peritoneal fluids get a passageway through these gutters to other compartments of the abdominal cavity. The right lateral paracolic gutter. In a supine position gravity causes fluid in the upper abdomen to flow from the left upper quadrant and right paracolic gutter into the right upper quadrant.

There are two paracolic gutters. The main paracolic gutter lies lateral to the colon on each side. Pathologic fluid can pass between the supracolic and infracolic compartments via the paracolic gutters the peritoneal spaces lateral to the ascending and descending colon. Paracolic gutters information including symptoms causes diseases symptoms treatments and other medical and health issues.

Spontaneous liver haematoma as a result of thrombolytic therapy this is followed by accumulation of ascites in sub hepatic location in 86 cases 86 in morrison s pouch in 85 cases 85 in paracolic gutters in 78 cases 78 in pelvis in 64 cases 64. Fluid on ct is relatively hypodense dark on ct. The right and left paracolic gutter are connected to subphrenic spaces proximally and to the pelvic area at the distal end. There are two paracolic gutters.

Fluid may sit within the peritoneal space or paracolic gutters or may be interposed between bowel loops or around solid organs e g. The left medial paracolic gutter. The paracolic gutter is associated with a subphrenic abscess. It can be compared to fluid in the gallbladder or stomach.