The phrenico-esophageal ligament: an anatomical study

The phrenico-esophageal ligament (PEL), which is claimed by some to be an important anti-reflux barrier, has been accepted as an important structure by some surgeons dealing with the surgical treatment of hiatal hernias. However, the characteristics of its anatomical structure and the physiological importance of this ligament is still a subject of discussion. The aim of this study was to define this anatomic structure and to point out the clinical importance of the PEL. This study has been carried out on samples taken from 2 fresh and 12 fixed cadavers. The PEL was observed to be derived from the transversalis and endothoracic fascia attaching the esophagus to the diaphragmatic crura at the region of the esophageal hiatus. While the transversalis fascia covered the inferior surface of the diaphragm, it was observed to divide into upper and lower leaflets when it approached the esophageal hiatus. The endothoracic fascia turned superiorly at the level of esophageal hiatus and attached on to the esophagus by uniting with the upper leaflet of the transversalis fascia in 11 of the specimens. In three of the specimens, it attached on the esophagus at a higher level than the transversalis fascia. The histologic sections of our study revealed that the PEL is formed by collagen and elastic fibers composed of fibroblasts and blood vessels. Since the PEL is a strong structure that firmly attached to the esophageal wall and surrounded the upper part of the distal esophagus like a skirt, it is reasonable that it may play an important role in the gastroesophageal sphincteric mechanism. Histological evidence for decrease in collagen fibers with age and the loose arrangement of the elastic fibers due to this decrement might decrease the resistance and the elasticity of the PEL. This situation may explain the predisposition to hiatal hernias seen with increased in age.