ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical characteristics of primary mass of the hepatoduodenal ligament (HDL) and present some thoughts in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. MethodsSixteen consecutive patients diagnosed as having a primary mass of the HDL in the West China Hospital of Sichuan University from September 2004 to May 2013 were retrospectively investigated. ResultsThe symptoms and blood testing both lacked specificity. In this group, fourteen patients were examined by ultrasound and fifteen by contrast-enhanced computed tomography, with 3/14 (21.43%) and 5/15(33.33%) respectively defining the location of the lesions and characteristic of benign/malignant. When combining the ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography, six of twelve(50.00%) defined the location and characteristic of benign/malignant. When combined with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance, ten of sixteen (62.5%) defined the location and characteristic of benign/malignant. All cases underwent abdominal exploration, 11 cases (68.8%) were porformed mass resected, 2 cases(12.5%) were porformed the simple HDL mass biopsy combined with biliary drainage with T tube, 1 case(6.2%) was porformed drainage for abscess of HDL, and 2 cases(12.5%) were porformed simple frozen biopsy. All cases recovered and discharged. ConclusionsThe diagnosis of a primary mass of the HDL is difficult. The united usage of multiple imageological examinations can increase the accuracy rate of the noninvasive preoperative diagnosis. Surgery and other active treatment can produce good prognosis.