Splenic Flexure

What is the splenic flexure?

Your splenic flexure is a bend in your large intestine (transverse colon) at the top, left side of your belly (abdomen). It’s near your spleen. As it’s on your left side, healthcare providers may sometimes call it your left colic flexure.

A lot is going on in your midsection to support digestion. The easiest way to understand your anatomy is to follow the path that food takes:

• As you digest, food makes its way first through your small intestine and then into your large intestine, where it moves up your ascending colon.
• At the top, the waste (called chyme) follows your large intestine as it bends to the left at your hepatic flexure.
• The chyme moves across your abdomen through your transverse colon (large intestine).
• When it reaches your left side, it follows your intestine as it turns downward at your splenic flexure. From here, the waste (now poop) squeezes its way through your descending colon until it reaches your anal canal, and finally, your rectum (butt).

Several different conditions can trigger issues with your splenic flexure. Most cause everyday symptoms like constipation or diarrhea. But a condition like colon cancer can block your splenic flexure, which can have life-threatening complications.

What does the splenic flexure do?

Your splenic flexure is part of your digestive system. Food waste in your large intestine travels through your splenic flexure on its way to your rectum.

And your splenic flexure is more than just a bend in the road. It’s important for blood supply to your colon. Blood flows here from your superior mesenteric and inferior mesenteric arteries.

Where is the splenic flexure located?

It’s the corner where your transverse colon meets the top of your descending colon. It’s near the tail of your pancreas and spleen. If your large intestine were a winding staircase, your splenic flexure would be the tight corner you’d navigate to get down the stairs.

Hepatic flexure

Your hepatic flexure is the bend on the top, right side of your colon. For this reason, healthcare providers also call it your right colic flexure. It’s at the top of your ascending colon, near your liver.

What are the common conditions and disorders that affect the splenic flexure?

Conditions that can affect this flexure include:

• Bowel obstructions
• Colon cancer or a cancerous polyp
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Splenic flexure volvulus, when part of your splenic flexure twists
• Splenic flexure syndrome, when your splenic flexure traps gas
• Ulcerative colitis

Common tests to check the splenic flexure

A healthcare provider may do different tests depending on your symptoms. Some tests may include:

• Barium enema
• Colonoscopy
• Complete blood count
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Common treatments for splenic flexure conditions

Your treatment will depend on your underlying condition. For example, a healthcare provider may recommend that you eat fewer carbohydrates and cut back on sugar substitutes. If needed, they may recommend surgery to remove a polyp or tumor.