Omental Pedicle Flap Research Articles

ASO Visual Abstract: The Predictive Factors of Combined Implant Application for Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Immediate Breast Reconstruction with a Pedicled Omental Flap.

ASO Visual Abstract: The Predictive Factors of Combined Implant Application for Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Immediate Breast Reconstruction with a Pedicled Omental Flap.

ASO Author Reflections: Significance of Predicting Omental Insufficiency in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Immediate Breast Reconstruction with Pedicled Omental Flap After Mastectomy.

ASO Author Reflections: Significance of Predicting Omental Insufficiency in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Immediate Breast Reconstruction with Pedicled Omental Flap After Mastectomy.

The Predictive Factors of Combined Implant Application for Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Immediate Breast Reconstruction with a Pedicled Omental Flap.

Whether a laparoscopically harvested omental flap is adequate for total breast reconstruction could not be determined preoperativaly due to lack of reliable assessment methods. This study aimed to establish a statistical model to predict the probability of omental flap insufficiency. In this study, 200 female patients with breast cancer receiving immediate breast reconstruction with pure pedicled omental flaps or pedicled omental flaps combined with implants after nipple-areolar complex-sparing mastectomy were divided into two groups depending on whether implants were needed or not. The clinical characteristics of these two groups were compared. Correlation of body mass index (BMI) and omental volume was analyzed. Binary logistic regression was performed to predict the probability of implant requirement based on clinical parameters, showing significant differences between the two groups. The patients who needed implants in adjunct treatment were younger. In addition, they had larger breast specimens and smaller omental volumes than the others whose omental flaps were sufficient for total breast reconstruction. Body mass index and omental volume showed a moderately positive correlation. Age, specimen volume, and BMI all were entered into the logistic regression equation. For the patients with a BMI lower than 24.0kg/m2, the probability of requiring implants was 5.467 times that of comparable patients with a BMI of 24.0kg/m2 or higher. At the cutoff of 0.61, the regression equation yielded a sensitivity of 84.2% and a specificity of 72.1% in recognizing subjects with the necessity of implant application. The combination of BMI, age, and volume of breast specimen could predict with high accuracy whether implants are required for breast cancer patients receiving pedicled omental flap-based breast reconstruction.

The effect of omental pedicle flap with platelets-rich fibrin on reconstruction of induced-urinary bladder defect in dogs

The effect of omental pedicle flap with platelets-rich fibrin on reconstruction of induced-urinary bladder defect in dogs

Combined Robotic and Vaginal Surgery for Pelvic Exenteration Due to Vaginal Sarcoma Relapse in an Obese Woman

Pelvic exenteration (PE) is an aggressive surgical procedure that implies a large hard-to-fill pelvic defect. Different reconstruction techniques were proposed to improve abdominal organ support and reduce complications (infections, pelvic organs herniation, vaginal stump dehiscence, bowel prolapse and obstruction) [1], with conflicting results [2]. Because of young age and survival greater than 50% at 5 years in patients with no residual tumor after surgery [3], a new approach with better clinical results to pelvic reconstruction is needed. The aim of this surgical film is to present an unusual presentation of vaginal sarcoma, successfully managed with a minimally invasive approach, and to illustrate our contextual multilayer technique of pelvic reconstruction using a combination of pedicled omental flap (POF) and human acellular dermal matrix (HADM). Tertiary level academic hospital. A 42-year-old obese patient with recurrent and symptomatic myxoid leiomyosarcoma, previously underwent vaginal-assisted laparoscopic surgery at a primary care center for the removal of a vaginal swelling. The multidisciplinary board determined anterior PE as the optimal therapeutic approach. Given the patient's body mass index (33 kg/m2), young age, and the favorable outcomes of robotic surgery in obese patients compared with other approaches [3,4], we proposed a combined robotic and vaginal surgery for both exenteration and reconstructive procedures [5]. During surgery, we initially explored the abdominal cavity to exclude macroscopic metastasis, followed by anterior PE. Urinary diversion was achieved with a Bricker ileal conduit by means of an ileoileal laterolateral anastomosis and an uretero-ileo-cutaneostomy. The pelvic dead space was partially filled with a POF on the left gastroepiploic artery. Subsequently, the pelvic defect was covered by a 15 × 10 mm HADM inlay inserted circumferentially at the pelvic brim, fixed with a barbed thread suture on residual pelvic structures. The final pathology confirmed the recurrence of myxoid leiomyosarcoma and indicated tumor-free resection margins. The intraoperative and postoperative periods were uneventful. The patient was discharged 14 days after surgery and underwent adjuvant doxorubicin- and dacarbazine-based chemotherapy, which was initiated 45 days after the surgery. Currently the patient is asymptomatic and disease free at the sixth month of follow-up. Robotic PE proves to be a feasible technique in obese patients, reducing postoperative hospital stay and complications. The contextual pelvic floor reconstruction with a POF and HADM supports abdominal viscera, diminishing interorgan adhesions and bowel prolapse. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

Pedicled omental flaps for complex wound reconstruction following surgery for primary spine tumors of the mobile spine and sacrum.

Surgery for primary tumors of the mobile spine and sacrum often requires complex reconstruction techniques to cover soft-tissue defects and to treat wound and CSF-related complications. The anatomical, vascular, and immunoregulatory characteristics of the omentum make it an excellent local substrate for the management of radiation soft-tissue injury, infection, and extensive wound defects. This study describes the authors' experience in complex wound reconstruction using pedicled omental flaps to cover defects in surgery for mobile spine and sacral primary tumors. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on 34 patients who underwent pedicled omental flap reconstruction after en bloc resection of primary sacral and mobile spine tumors between 2010 and 2020. The study focused on assessing the indications for omental flap usage, including soft-tissue coverage, protection against postoperative radiation therapy, infection management, vascular supply for bone grafts, and dural defect and CSF leak repair. Patient demographic characteristics, tumor characteristics, surgical outcomes, and follow-up data were analyzed to determine the procedure's efficacy and complication rates. From 2010 to 2020, 34 patients underwent pedicled omental flap reconstruction after en bloc resection of sacral (24 of 34 [71%]) and mobile spine (10 of 34 [29%]) primary tumors, mostly chordomas. The patient cohort included 21 men and 13 women with a median (range) age of 60 (32-89) years. The most common indication for omental flap was soft-tissue coverage (20 of 34 [59%]). Other indications included protecting abdominopelvic organs for postoperative radiation therapy (6 of 34 [18%]), treating infections (5 of 34 [15%]), providing vascular supply for free fibular bone graft (1 of 34 [3%]), and repairing large dural defects and CSF leak (2 of 34 [6%]). The median (range) follow-up was 24 (0-132) months, during which 71% (24 of 34) of patients did not require additional surgery for wound-related complications. At last follow-up, 59% (20 of 34) had stable disease and 32% (11 of 34) had recurrence, had progression of disease, or had been discharged to hospice after treatment. The pedicled omentum is an effective local tissue graft that can be used for complex wound reconstruction and management of high-risk closures in primary spine tumors. This technique may have a lower rate of complications than other approaches and may influence surgical planning and flap selection in challenging cases.

Laparoscopically harvested omental flap for immediate breast reconstruction: a retrospective single-center study of 300 cases

BackgroundThe laparoscopically harvested omental flap (LHOF) has been used in partial or total breast reconstruction, but most studies on LHOF were case reports or small case series. However, the clinical feasibility and oncological safety of LHOF in oncoplastic breast surgery remains controversial. This study reported our experience applying LHOF for immediate breast reconstruction.MethodsBetween June 2018 and March 2022, 300 patients underwent oncoplastic breast surgery using LHOF at our institution. Their clinicopathological data, complications, cosmetic outcomes, and oncologic outcomes were evaluated.ResultsAll patients underwent total breast reconstruction using LHOF after nipple-sparing mastectomy. The median operation time was 230 min (ranging from 155 to 375 min). The median operation time for harvesting the omental flap was 55 min (ranging from 40 to 105 min). The success rate of the laparoscopically harvested pedicled omental flap was over 99.0%. Median blood loss was 70 ml, ranging from 40 to 150 ml. The volume of the flap was insufficient in 102 patients (34.0%). The overall complication rate was 12.3%. Subcutaneous fluid in the breast area (7%) was the most common reconstruction-associated complication, but most cases were relieved spontaneously. The incidence rate of omental flap necrosis was 3.3%. LHOF-associated complications occurred in two cases, including one case of incisional hernia and one case of vascular injury. Cosmetic outcomes were satisfactory in 95.1% of patients on a four-point scale by three-panel assessment and 97.2% using the BCCT.core software. Two local and one systemic recurrence were observed during a median follow-up period of 32 months.ConclusionsThe LHOF for immediate breast reconstruction is a safe and feasible method that involves minimal donor-site morbidity, satisfactory cosmetic outcomes, and promising oncologic safety.

Robotically-harvested, thoracoscopically-tunneled transdiaphragmatic omental pedicle flap for obliteration of radiated empyema cavity

Intra-thoracic defects continue to pose a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. Stable soft tissue coverage and obliteration of dead space can be particularly challenging when complicated by infection or previous radiation. These cases may require a less conventional method of reconstruction. We describe a case in which vacuum-assisted closure followed by pedicled omental flap transposition was successfully used to reconstruct a complicated intra-thoracic wound following pneumonectomy, radiation therapy, and recurrent wound dehiscences secondary to chronic infection.

Outcomes of perineal wound closure techniques after abdominoperineal resections in rectal cancer: an NSQIP propensity score matched study

Perineal defects following abdominoperineal resections (APRs) for rectal cancer may require myocutaneous or omental flaps depending upon anatomic, clinical and oncologic variables. However, studies comparing their efficacy have shown contradictory results. We aim to compare postoperative complication rates of APR closure techniques in rectal cancer using propensity score-matching. The American College of Surgeons Proctectomy Targeted Data File was queried from 2016 to 2019. The study population was defined using CPT and ICD-10 codes for patients with rectal cancer undergoing APR, stratified by repair technique. Perioperative demographic and oncologic variables were controlled for by propensity-score matching. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for wound and major complications (MCs). Of the 3291 patients included in the study, 85% underwent primary closure (PC), 8.3% rectus abdominis myocutaneous (RAM) flap, 4.9% pedicled omental flap with PC, and 1.9% lower extremity (LE) flap repair. Primary closure rates were significantly higher for patients with stage T1 and T2 tumors (p < 0.001). RAM and LE flaps were most used with multi-organ resections, 24% and 25%, respectively (p < 0.001). Similarly, cases with T4 tumors used these flaps more frequently, 30% and 40%, respectively (p < 0.001). After propensity score matching for comorbidities and oncologic variables, there was no significant difference in 30-day postoperative wound or MC rates between perineal closure techniques. The complication rates of the different closure techniques are comparable when tumor stage is considered. Therefore, tumor staging and concurrent procedures should guide clinical decision making regarding the appropriate use of each technique.

Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis Affecting Ileoanal Anastomosis (J-Pouch): Surgical Approach

<h3>Study Objective</h3> To review a patient case of deep infiltrating endometriosis of an ileoanal anastomosis. <h3>Design</h3> Case report. <h3>Setting</h3> Academic institution, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery and Colorectal combined procedure. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> 38-year-old with history of ulcerative colitis status post ileoanal anastomosis (J-pouch) with deep infiltrating endometriosis. <h3>Interventions</h3> Robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy, left oophorectomy, excision of deep infiltrating endometriosis of J-pouch, ureteral ICG injection, and pouchoscopy. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> Patients with endometriosis are at increased risk of co-morbid inflammatory bowel disease. Ileoanal anastomosis is indicated in patients with disease affecting the entire colon and rectum such as ulcerative colitis. The J-pouch is created with an anastomosis of folded terminal ileum following total resection of the colon and rectum. An enterotomy of the pouch and anal anastomosis are then completed, forgoing the need for ileostomy. The primary vascular supply consists of terminal branches of the superior mesenteric artery and is therefore limited. The patient presented with pain and on MRI was found to have deep infiltrating endometriosis of the ileoanal anastomosis approximating 3.2 by 1.0 cm, as well as a left endometrioma. Intra-operatively, the deep infiltrating lesion was identified on the efferent limb on the antimesenteric border of the J-pouch ileum and removed using a shave technique. Care is taken to avoid the vascular supply to the J-pouch on the mesenteric aspect, as no collateral supply is available. An omental pedicle flap was created and secured overlying the pouch to reduce the risk of fistula formation. The patient underwent the procedure without complications. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Patients with endometriosis are at increased risk of comorbid inflammatory bowel disease. Knowledge of J-pouch anatomy is crucial to dissection in cases of endometriosis involvement, including delicate blood supply. The use of an omental flap can be helpful to prevent formation of future adhesions. A multidisciplinary approach is key to patient care.

Evaluating the effectiveness of using negative pressure wound therapy in the preservation of the infected prosthetic aortic graft

BackgroundInfected deep sternal infection due to an associated infection of the prosthetic aortic graft is a devastating condition. Standard management requires the removal of the graft and substituting it with a new one. Often, removal of the prosthetic graft is close to impossible. Negative pressure wound therapy is currently the treatment of choice for patients with deep sternal infection. However, its use in deep sternal infection with exposed infected prosthetic aortic graft has not been well described. MethodsEight patients were included in this study. All had type A aortic dissection of the ascending aorta and/or aortic arch. ResultsThere were 7 men and 1 woman. The median age was 53 years old (range 33–81 years old). The median number of days from the initial aortic operation to the diagnosis of infection was 20 days (range 14–52). The median length of stay in the intensive care unit was 17 days (range 6–338 days). The median time interval from the initial debridement to reconstruction was 20 days (range 6–43 days). The median number of times negative pressure wound therapy was changed was 4 (range 2–9). The most common flap used for reconstruction was the pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap in 7 patients, a free antero-lateral thigh flap in 1 patient, and pedicled omental flap in combination with pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap in 1 patient. One patient had persistent recurrent infection of the graft despite negative pressure wound therapy and flap reconstruction. The median length of follow-up was 38.5 months (range 4–120 months). ConclusionThis small study suggests that negative pressure wound therapy could be used successfully for the management of deep sternal infection due to infected prosthetic aortic grafts. In most cases, it eliminated the need to replace the infected prosthetic aortic graft in high-risk patients.

Robotic-assisted closed-chest management of a fungal-infected prosthetic aortic graft: a case report

BackgroundFungal prosthetic graft infections are associated with high mortality, typically requiring aggressive surgical debridement. We present an alternative, minimally invasive approach to address these challenging clinical cases.Case presentationA 76-year-old Caucasian male with prior aortic root and arch replacement presented with localized chest wall tenderness after being hit by a car door. Computed tomography angiogram incidentally identified fluid in the anterior mediastinum, surrounding his ascending aortic graft. Rather than undertaking a high-risk reoperative sternotomy and redo complex aortic reconstruction, we elected to proceed with a robotic-assisted, minimally invasive debridement of the aortic graft, coupled with an omental wrap, entirely within the closed chest. Microbiology was positive for Aspergillus species. The patient made an uncomplicated recovery and was discharged home on antifungal therapy, likely to continue indefinitely.ConclusionsInfected prosthetic aortic grafts can be successfully managed with debridement and pedicled omental flap coverage via a minimally invasive approach within the closed chest, obviating the morbidity of a complex reoperative open procedure.

Bilateral oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery with volume replacement technique using the omental flap: a case report

BackgroundMany oncoplastic volume replacement techniques have been reported, however, it is generally difficult to utilize a single distant flap for bilateral breast carcinomas.Case presentationWe report a case of bilateral multiple breast carcinomas successfully treated with immediate volume replacement technique with an omental flap. Bilateral partial mastectomies were performed for bilateral breast carcinomas (one in the left breast and two in the right breast). The pedicled omental flap was laparoscopically harvested, and divided at the mid-portion of the flap. The proximal half of the flap was used to fill the right defect, and the distal half of the flap filled two defects in the left breast. Cosmetic outcome was excellent with minimal donor-site scars.ConclusionsThe omental flap can be considered for highly selected patients with bilateral breast carcinomas.

Early and late outcomes of surgical repair of mycotic aortic aneurysms: A 30-year experience

ObjectiveMycotic aortic aneurysm and its associated complications are often catastrophic. In this study, we examined the early and late outcomes of surgical repair of mycotic aortic aneurysm at our center over the last 3 decades. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed our prospectively maintained aortic surgery database with supplemental adjudication of medical records. Aortic infection was confirmed through clinical, radiological, intraoperative, pathological, and treatment evidence. ResultsSeventy-five patients (median age, 68 years; interquartile range, 62-74) who underwent surgical repair of a mycotic aortic aneurysm between 1992 and 2021 were included. Almost all patients (n = 72; 96%) presented with symptoms, including 26 patients (35%) with rupture, and many underwent urgent or emergency repair (n = 64; 85%). Sixty-one patients underwent open repair, and 14 patients underwent hybrid or endovascular repair. Infection-specific adjunct techniques included rifampin-soaked grafts (n = 16), omental pedicle flaps (n = 21), and antibiotic irrigation catheters (n = 8). There were 15 early deaths (20%), including 10 of the 26 patients (38%) who presented with rupture; however, persistent stroke, paraplegia or paraparesis, and renal failure necessitating dialysis were uncommon (each <5%). Almost all early survivors (52/60; 87%) were discharged with long-term antibiotic therapy. Estimated survival at 2, 6, and 10 years was 55.7% ± 5.8%, 39.0% ± 5.7%, and 26.9% ± 5.5%, respectively. ConclusionsA substantial proportion of patients with mycotic aortic aneurysm present with rupture and generally require urgent or emergency repair. Operative mortality and complications are common, especially for patients who present with rupture, and late survival is poor.

Ten-year experience with laparoscopic pedicled omental flap for cerebral revascularization in patients with Moyamoya disease

BackgroundThe omental flap has numerous extraperitoneal applications in reconstruction and revascularization given its favorable immunologic and angiogenic properties. In patients with Moyamoya disease, cerebral revascularization using a pedicled omental flap has proven to be a viable option following direct revascularization procedures. Historically, harvesting omentum involved laparotomy with the associated risk of complications; herein we describe outcomes from a 10-year experience of laparoscopic harvesting of pedicled omental flap for cerebral revascularization in Moyamoya patients. MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed of all patients with Moyamoya disease who underwent laparoscopic omental cerebral transposition between 2011 and 2021. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and outcomes at follow-up were analyzed. ResultsTwenty-one patients underwent the procedure during the study period. Three intraoperative complications occurred (one segmental transverse colectomy for mesenteric injury, one converted to omental free flap, and one requiring micro anastomosis). Average overall LOS was 6 ± 6 days, with 3 ± 3.5 days in the ICU (mean±SD). Following discharge, complications included epigastric incisional hernia at the graft fascial exit site, recurrent neck pain at subcutaneous tunneling site, and partial scalp necrosis. One patient required subsequent direct bypass seven months after the initial procedure owing to the progression of the disease. All other patients had partial or complete resolution of symptoms. ConclusionOur retrospective observational study indicates that laparoscopic pedicled omental flap mobilization and transposition is a safe and effective method of indirect cerebral revascularization in patients with Moyamoya disease. Level of evidenceN/A.

Characteristics, survivals and risk factors of surgical site infections after En Bloc sacrectomy for primary malignant sacral tumors at a single center

IntroductionFor prolonged survival, primary malignant sacral tumors (PMST) are treated by En Bloc sacrectomy. Few studies analyzed specifically the surgical site infections (SSI) for this condition and whether they impact on the patients’ survivals. ObjectivesThe objectives were to (1) describe their characteristics; (2) compare the survivals of infected and non-infected patients; (3) identify patients- and surgery-related risk factors. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective single center study on 51 consecutive patients with PMST who underwent an En Bloc sacrectomy. Mean follow-up was 89±68months (range, 13–256months). Histology consisted of 46 chordoma, 3 chondrosarcoma, 1 Ewing tumor, 1 malignant peripheral nerve sheet tumor. Mean age was 57.4±13.7years with 26 (51%) male. Approaches were mainly anterior-and-posterior with, for the anterior approach, 18 laparotomy and 32 laparoscopy. Other surgical characteristics included 39 (76%) sacrectomy above S3; 7 (14%) instrumented cases; 8 (16%) colostomy. A pedicled omental flap with artificial mesh was used for posterior wall reconstruction. Overall and disease-free survivals were compared between infected and non-infected patients using Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank test. ResultsA total of 29 (57%) patients developed a SSI (7 deep, 22 organ/space) at mean 13.2±7.7days. One patient had also an infected intraperitoneal hematoma at day 150. SSIs were polymicrobial in 26 (90%) cases with Enterococcus sp. (27%) and E. coli (24%) as predominant organisms. Overall and disease-free survivals were not statistically different between infected and non-infected patients. Factors associated with increased likelihood of SSI included age>65years (OR=3.64; 1.06–12.50; p=0.04) and an elevated ASA score (OR=3.28, 1.05–10.80; p=0.046). Neoadjuvant radiotherapy (OR=2.86; 0.97–9.37; p=0.08) demonstrated a trend towards increased risk of SSI. Tumor volume, sacrectomy level, operating time, laparoscopy, colostomy, instrumentation, bowel incontinence were not associated to an increased risk of SSI. ConclusionEn Bloc sacrectomy for PMST led to frequent and early SSI which, however, did not seem to impact survivals. Preoperative frailty was the predominant risk factor found in this series. Further studies are required to identify protective measures. Level of evidenceIII, case-control study.

INDICATIONS FOR LIMITATIONS OF THE OMENTAL PEDICLE FLAP IN IMMEDIATE BREAST RECONSTRUCTION – SURGICAL RESULTS EVALUATION AND BREAST-Q© 2.0 SURVEY

Background and aimImmediate reconstruction with an omental flap is a recognized suitable method for a full-thickness breast reconstruction or implant coverage for well-selected cases of nipple or skin-sparing mastectomies as well as cases of skin-reducing mastectomies. The authors’ aim is the evaluation of indications and limitations of this technique with an original approach and also based on the analysis of patients’ global satisfaction using the BREAST-Q 2.0© survey. Materials and methodsFrom January 2014 to March 2018, 12 women aged between 29 to 67 years old (mean age: 49 years) underwent immediate breast reconstruction alone or with a definitive implant covered by a pedicled omental flap. All of them were asked to fill out the BREAST-Q© 2.0 survey. ConclusionsThe careful analysis of the cases shows that the indications for the immediate breast reconstruction based on the omental flap with a minimal resulting donor-site morbidity are strictly linked to its limitations, which are correctly reported in the study, but in the same way, it suggests that patients who underwent implant-based immediate breast reconstruction with omental flap reported significant improvements in satisfaction and health-related quality of their life.

A study on the clinical application of greater omental pedicle flap transplantation to correct anterior resection syndrome in patients with low rectal cancer.

IntroductionLow anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is the most common complication after total mesorectal excision (TME) in patients with low rectal cancer and has been a challenge in colorectal surgery that severely impacts the quality of life of patients. This study aimed to introduce a revised surgical procedure which could effectively maintain rectal compliance and significantly improve LARS after the operation.MethodsWe performed mesorectal reconstruction after routine Dixon TME using greater omental pedicle flap transplantation in 11 patients with low rectal cancer (5 cases of preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, 5 cases of preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 1 case of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy), thereby simulating the initial anatomical structure of the mesorectum and significantly reducing the postoperative anterior resection syndrome. The lars precision syndrome assessment scale (LARSS) was used to access the LARS.ResultsAt 12 weeks after the 11 patients recovered from the anal defecation function, the average score on the LARS questionnaire was 25.5 ± 1.5 (minor). The average time at which anal function began to recover was 6.2 ± 2.6 weeks after surgery. The recovery was rapid, as the rectal and anal function of all patients generally returned to normal levels within 12 weeks, and the quality of life was close to that before surgery.ConclusionGreater omental flap transplantation can significantly improve LARS after Dixon TME in patients with low rectal cancer.

Management of Osteoradionecrosis of the Anterior Thoracic Wall Using Omental Flaps: a Prospective Case Series and Literature Review

Rib-sternal osteoradionecrosis is a rare but serious complication of chest radiotherapy. No consensus-based method of managing deep sternal wounds that develop after radiotherapy is available. Usually patients require long-term antibiotics. The surgical placement of a muscle, an omental flap, or a prosthesis is described. We report, in pictures, four successful omental flap placements. Between March 2015 and July 2018, four women with deep sternal wound injuries that developed after radiation therapy to treat breast cancer underwent rib-sternal reconstruction with omental flap placement. The first signs of infected radionecrosis developed 28.5 years after radiotherapy. Despite prolonged antibiotic treatment, surgery was necessary. The mean age at surgery was 76 years (range: 62–86 years). All necrotic tissue was excised and debridement was performed before the placement of a pedicled omental flap dissected along the transverse colon and raised through a subcutaneous tunnel. No skin graft or osteosynthesis was required. After surgery, lubricated bandages were applied daily, and antibiotics were prescribed for a few weeks. Complete healing was obtained after surgery without clinical complication. Our experience suggests that a pedicled omental flap is an affordable, simple, and very useful option for reconstructing deep rib-sternal wounds caused by radiation.

Omentoplasty for pelvic defect closure following abdominoperineal resection in lower rectum cancer

BackgroundThe perineal wound is considered an important source of postoperative morbidity and mortality following abdominoperineal resection (APR). Complications include wound dehiscence, infection, abscess, perineal herniation, radiation enteritis, persistent sinus, more nursing effort, prolonged hospital stay, and increase readmission with cost increase.AimThe aim of this study is to compare the result of conventional closure of pelvic defect following APR versus closure with omentoplasty.Patients and methodsThis study included 30 patients who underwent APR. The patients were divided into two groups: omentoplasty group included 15 patients who underwent pelvic defect closure using pedicle omental flap, and conventional group included 15 patients who underwent surgery with conventional closure of pelvic defect.TechniqueVoluminous omental flap is harvested with proper length, with good perfusion and vascularity. Then, it is used as plug for closure of the dead space in the pelvis obtained after APR.ResultsPedicle omental flap fashioning, mobilization, and transposition supporting perineal defect following APR results in reduction of pelvic dead space and enables safe closure with reasonable operative time and reduction in postoperative wound complications.ConclusionOmentoplasty for closure of pelvic defect following APR is an applicable and safe method that supports perineal wound closure with less complications.