Posterior Assessment of the Gastric Lesser Curvature

Description

Posteriorly oriented, the stomach is presented with emphasis on the lesser curvature (curvatura minor), the short concave medial border extending from the cardiac region to the pyloric antrum. The posterior gastric wall lies anterior to the omental bursa, while the lesser curvature forms the attachment line for the lesser omentum, placing the hepatogastric ligament directly along its medial margin. Superiorly the curvature approaches the esophagogastric junction, and inferiorly it turns toward the incisura angularis and pylorus. Clinically, this dorsal assessment is where the relationship between the lesser curvature and the lesser sac becomes immediately legible, which matters during posterior gastric ulcer evaluation and operative exposure. Penetrating ulcers along the lesser curvature can erode into left gastric artery branches running in the lesser omentum, a recognized source of brisk upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. For surgeons, the lesser curvature is also the reference edge during creation of the gastric pouch in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and during sleeve gastrectomy when staying clear of the incisura angularis to avoid stenosis. Use this asset for upper GI anatomy teaching in gross anatomy and GI blocks, for surgical atlases illustrating perigastric planes and lesser omentum attachments, and for endoscopy or radiology primers that need a clean map of the gastric borders without distracting adjacent viscera. It also fits patient-facing bariatric pathway materials where consistent nomenclature (lesser curvature, curvatura minor) reduces ambiguity. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.