Hepatorenal recess
The hepatorenal recess is the subhepatic space that separates the liver from the right kidney. It is the lowest dependent space of the peritoneal cavity in a supine person. As a potential space, the recess is not normally filled with fluid. However, fluid can collect here in circumstances where the abdomen fills with fluid, such as hemoperitoneum. This fluid may be seen on ultrasound or computed tomography.
Clinical importance
Since it is a potential space, the hepatorenal recess is not normally filled with fluid. However, this space becomes significant in conditions in which fluid collects within the abdomen. The intraperitoneal fluid, be it blood, ascites, or dialysate, collects in this space and may be visualized, most commonly via ultrasound or computed tomography scanning. As little as 30 or 40 ml of fluid in the abdominal cavity may be visualized in this space.Early visualization of fluid in the hepatorenal recess on FAST scan may be an indication for urgent laparotomy.