Pedicled Omentum Research Articles

Laparoscopically harvested omental flap for breast reconstruction in Poland syndrome

Poland syndrome (PS) is a congenital anomaly of the thoracic wall characterised by a variable degree of unilateral agenesis of pectoralis major and minor muscles associated with ipsilateral breast, rib and upper-arm anomalies. In female patients, breast reconstruction is particularly challenging because of cranial pectoralis muscle defects and partial or complete breast agenesis. Different techniques have been used to treat the thoracic anomaly, including the positioning of an implant, fat transfer or latissimus dorsi transposition, but in some cases these techniques are not feasible resulting in a poor reconstruction. We present our experience in correction of the chest anomaly of PS in a teenage population by using a pedicled laparoscopically harvested omental flap (LOF) to cover a pectoral or breast prosthesis. Procedures were performed by a surgical team which included experienced plastic surgeons and general paediatric surgeons. Preoperative endocrinological and psychological evaluation helped to determine the best timing for the correction. The technique was adopted in 20 patients aged 14-18 years, affected by the syndrome. In all cases, it was possible to harvest an adequate amount of pedicled omentum laparoscopically. Neither significant complications nor conversions to open surgery occurred. The aesthetic outcome of the LOF technique was, in all cases, a soft, natural-looking breast and a satisfactorily corrected infraclavicular defect. The LOF technique is a valid alternative to reconstruction in selected PS cases. It provides a satisfactory reconstruction of the breast and pectoral region and corrects the infraclavicular defect by filling in the area. It avoids the invasiveness and morbidity of a latissimus dorsi transposition.

Less Invasive Pedicled Omental-Cranial Transposition in Pediatric Patients With Moyamoya Disease and Failed Prior Revascularization

Patients with moyamoya disease and progressive neurological deterioration despite previous revascularization pose a major treatment challenge. Many have exhausted typical sources for bypass or have ischemia in areas that are difficult to reach with an indirect pedicled flap. Omental-cranial transposition has been an effective, but sparingly used technique because of its associated morbidity. We have refined a laparoscopic method of harvesting an omental flap that preserves its gastroepiploic arterial supply. The pedicled omentum can be lengthened as needed by dividing it between the vascular arcades. It is transposed to the brain via skip incisions. The flap can be trimmed or stretched to cover ischemic areas of the brain. The cranial exposure is performed in parallel with pediatric surgeons. We performed this technique in 3 pediatric patients with moyamoya disease (aged 5-12 years) with previous superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypasses and progressive ischemic symptoms. In 1 patient, we transposed omentum to both hemispheres. Blood loss ranged from 75 to 250 mL. After surgery, patients immediately tolerated a diet and were discharged in 3 to 5 days. The ischemic symptoms of all 3 children resolved within 3 months postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging at 1 year showed improved perfusion and no new infarcts. Angiography showed excellent revascularization of targeted areas and patency of the donor gastroepiploic artery. Laparoscopic omental harvest for cranial-omental transposition can be performed efficiently and safely. Patients with moyamoya disease appear to tolerate this technique much better than laparotomy. With this method, we can achieve excellent angiographic revascularization and resolution of ischemic symptoms.

Clinical effects of pedicled omentum covering the intestinal anastomotic stoma in preventing anastomotic fistula

Objective To investigate the clinical effects of pedicled omentum covering the intestinal anastomotic stoma in preventing anastomotic fistula.Methods The clinical data of 133 patients with high risk of intestinal anastomotic stoma who were admitted to the Henan Tumor Hospital from May 2009 to May 2012 were retrospectively analyzed.All patients were divided into the improvement group (69 patients) and the control group (64 patients) according to whether the anastomotic stoma was covered by pedicled omentum.All the operations were done by the surgeons in the same group,and the intestinal reconstruction was done by the equipment produced by the same company.All the patients with intestinal tumors received radical resection.The clinical data of the patients in the 2 groups were reviewed and the therapeutic effects of the 2 approaches were compared.All data were analyzed using the chi-square test.Results Three (4.3％) patients had intestinal fistula in the improvement group,including 1 had small bowel anastomotic fistula,1 had small bowel and colonic anastomotic fistula,1 had colonic anastomotic fistula.Eight (12.5％) patients in the control group had intestinal anastomotic fistula,including 1 had duodenal anastomotic fistula,2 had small bowel anastomotic fistula,2 had small bowel and colonic anastomotic fistula,and 3 had colonic anastomotic fistula.There was a significant difference in the incidence of anastomotic fistula between the 2 groups (x2 =5.483,P ＜ 0.05).The highest body temperatures of the 3 patients in the improvement group were under 38.2 ℃,and the mean white blood cell count was 8.4 × 109/L;no peritonitis was detected; turbid drainage was observed in the peritoneal tube around the anastomotic stoma.The results of computed tomography showed local inflammation.The highest body temperatures of the 8 patients in the control group were above 38.5 ℃,and the mean white blood cell count was 14.4 × 109/L; obvious pressing pain and rebound tenderness were detected; intestinal contents were observed in the peritoneal drainage tube.The 3 patients in the improvement group were cured by symptomatic treatment.Of the 8 patients in the control group,7 received two-stage debridement,and 1 received jejunostomy and 3 received ileostomy.The condition of the 7 patients was recovered after operation,and reversion of the ileum at postoperative month 4.One patient died of multiple organs dysfunction syndrome and systemic inflammatory response syndrome.Conclusion Intestinal anastomotic stoma covered by pedicled omentum could effectively decrease the incidence of anastomotic fistula and alleviate systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by anastomotic fistula. Key words: Anastomotic fistula; Pedicled omentum; Peritonitis

Wrapping digestive tract anastomotic fistula with a pedicled gastrocolic omentum flap to prevent anastomotic leakage in diabetic rats

Wrapping digestive tract anastomotic fistula with a pedicled gastrocolic omentum flap to prevent anastomotic leakage in diabetic rats

Mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta caused by Escherichia coli

An 81-year old woman with high fever and a history of hospital admission because of pyelonephritis 3 months previously was transferred to our hospital. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a mycotic pseudoaneurysm in the ascending aorta and a massive pericardial effusion. We resected the ascending aorta and the proximal part of the brachiocephalic artery and performed in situ revascularization with a prosthetic vascular graft. Bacterial examination proved that the causative micro-organism was Escherichia coli. The prosthetic graft was wrapped with a pedicled omentum following completion of the aortic reconstruction. Her postoperative course was uneventful. She was discharged from the hospital 1 month postoperatively.

Omental packing with continuous suction drainage following abdominoperineal resection.

Primary closure of the perineum along with drainage after abdominoperineal resection for lower rectal cancer is a widely accepted procedure but is associated with non-healing of the perineal wound a major complication. We evaluated the efficacy of omental packing and continuous suction drainage after abdominoperineal resection. We retrospectively studied 45 patients with adenocarcinoma of the lower rectum who underwent abdominoperineal resection, either without omental packing (NOP group) or with omental packing and continuous suction drainage (OPCD group). A pedicled omentum supplied by the epiploic arcade was conducted and drawn down through the perineal wound, over the small intestine and into the pelvis. Drains were placed on both sides of the pelvis through the perineal wall and continuous suction was performed. Perineal wound infection was significantly more frequent in the NOP group (32%) than in the OPCD group (5%). Ileus was not observed in the OPCD group. The duration of hospitalization was shorter in the OPCD group (17.8±4.2 days) than in the NOP group (21.0±9.1 days). Omental packing with continuous suction is useful to prevent non-healing of the perineal wound after abdominoperineal resection for lower rectal cancer.

Utility of the omentum in sacral reconstruction following total sacrectomy due to recurrent and irradiated giant cell tumour of the spine

Reconstruction of the lumbosacral region after surgical excision of irradiated and recurrent spinal giant cell tumours remains a challenging problem. In this case report, we describe the use of the pedicled omentum flap in reconstruction of an irradiated and infected wide sacral defect of a 19-year-old male patient. The patient had radiotherapy and subsequent wide surgical resection after recurrence of the tumour. A myocutaneous flap from the gluteal area had failed previously. Local flap options could not be used because of the recent radiotherapy to the gluteal area. Since the patient had a laparotomy for tumour resection and a colostomy, abdominal muscles were not considered reliable for reconstructive procedures. A pedicled omentum flap was chosen as a reconstructive option because of its rich blood supply, large surface area, and angiogenic capacity. This report aims to describe the use of the pedicled omentum flap for reconstruction of the lumbosacral area following surgical resection of a spinal tumour, when gluteal and abdominal flap options for reconstruction are jeopardised.

Hilar cholangioplasty using omentum for ductal defect in biliobiliary fistula

A non-circumferential defect of the biliary system is occasionally faced at surgery for biliobiliary fistula. The condition represents an uncommon but important complication of gallstone disease. Although direct closure and patch repair using the gallbladder cuff are recommended as first-line treatments, these procedures are sometimes technically difficult in the presence of severe inflammation. The authors, herein, present a novel procedure denoted as hilar cholangioplasty, which utilizes the pedicled omentum. An 80-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of cholangitis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography demonstrated a large gallstone astride the common hepatic duct with upstream biliary dilation, indicating biliobiliary fistula. Upon laparotomy, a 2 × 3 cm ductal defect was found just under the hepatic bifurcation, after removal of the gallstones and the gallbladder. The surrounding tissue, as well as the bile duct, was extensively inflamed with dense fibrosis, such that first-line repair methods could not be performed. As an alternative method, the pedicled omentum was used for cholangioplasty. Postoperative cholangioscopy showed a yellow polypoid mass without constriction. Histologically, ordinary biliary epithelium overlaid the surface of the grafted omentum. The patient has remained well at 3-year follow-up. The present method is simple and could be a promising option when standard repair methods cannot be applied.

Repairing effect of pedicle omentum in severe ureteral injury

Objective To evaluate the repairing effect of pedicle omentum on severe ureteral in-jury. Methods Twenty healthy dogs were randomized into the experiment group and the control group. Firstly the model of severe ureteral injury was made. In experimental group, the pedicle omen-turn were used to wrap up the severe injured ureter, but which was no done in control group. Urinary fistula and ureteral necrosis were observed. At 12 weeks postoperatively,the models were re-operated to investigate whether the severe injured ureters had healed. Angiogenesis, VEGF and its receptor KDR were also examined in stoma and surrounding tissue histopathologically. Results No urinary fistula was observed in experimental group, but 2 cases in control group were dead because of recurrent abdominal cavity infection after the formation of urinary fistula. The mucosa and smooth muscle of stoma were completely regenerated, and the blood vessels were regenerated more significantly in expe-rimental group than in the control group. In experimental group, the VEGF and KDR were over-ex-pressed, and the positive cell rates were (12. 65±0. 02)% and (10. 23±0. 03)%. But in control group, the stoma were not healed, and severe ureters1 strictures were observed in all dogs. Angiogene-sis was not signifieant, the VEGF and KDR positive cell rates were (1.54±0. 03)% and (2. 654± 0.04)%, respectively. Conelusions Pedicled omentum can promote the repair of severe ureteral in-jury. The mechanism may be the over expression of VEGF and KDR in prompting angiogenesis. Key words: Pedicled omentum; Ureteral injury; Vascular endothelial growth factor

Comment on “A comparison of two omental lengthening techniques by the pedicled omentum to close a knee disarticulation defect: a case report” (A. Sarlak et al.)

Comment on “A comparison of two omental lengthening techniques by the pedicled omentum to close a knee disarticulation defect: a case report” (A. Sarlak et al.)

A comparison of two omental lengthening techniques by the pedicled omentum to close a knee disarticulation defect: a case report

Pedicled omental flaps have been used successfully for soft tissue reconstruction of complicated wounds. Distal reach and the lengthening technique of the pedicled omentum are less highlighted. Unestimated size availability of coverage by the lengthening technique has restricted common practice in clinical use. We have used the cadaveric scale of Das preoperatively to assess the distal reach and coverage on the lengthened pedicled omentum, this can correlate well intraoperatively.

Commentary on “A comparison of two omental lengthening techniques by the pedicled omentum to close a knee disarticulation defect: a case report” by A. Sarlak et al.

We highly appreciate the comments made by Prof. Costa. As he points out and we have mentioned in our paper, to cover a knee disarticulation defect pedicled omentum with a skin graft is not the first option. A free myocutaneous or a sensate cutaneous–myocutaneous flap is definitely a better choice in a weight-bearing area. Although seen in a small percentage of cases, knowledge of the anatomical variations are imperative in selective divisions and lengthening for more distant pedicle application. We think that intraoperative templating is mandatory, especially for distal defects. With the more frequent use of endoscopic surgery, omental lengthening might be a good alternative in patients having laparotomy with the defects to be covered in the same session. Eur J Plast Surg (2008) 30:247 DOI 10.1007/s00238-007-0175-1

Invited commentary

Invited commentary

Successful Surgical Treatment of Aortoenteric Fistula

In order to establish optimal management for aortoenteric fistula (AEF) the records of five patients treated for AEF (four aortoduodenal and one aortogastric fistula) were retrospectively reviewed. The arterial reconstruction procedures were selected according to the surgical findings, underlying cause, and patient status. In situ aortic reconstructions with prosthetic grafts were performed on three patients who had no gross findings of periaortic infection, whereas axillo-bifemoral bypass was carried out in the other two patients with periaortic purulence. In all patients, after retroperitoneal irrigation a pedicled omentum was used to cover the aortic graft or aortic stump. In the preoperative abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan there was a periaortic air shadow in four out of five patients. There was no surgical mortality or graft infection observed during a mean follow-up period of 40 months (range, 24-68 months). Therefore, the treatment results of an AEF can be improved using intravenous contrast-enhanced abdominal CT for rapid diagnosis and selection of an appropriate surgical procedure based on the surgical findings and underlying cause.

Use of Pedicled Omentum in Esophagogastric Anastomosis for Prevention of Anastomotic Leak

Esophagogastrectomy for carcinoma of the esophagus is the standard surgical treatment for cure or palliation. Esophagogastric anastomotic leakage is a life-threatening postoperative complication, more so if the leakage occurs in the chest. A prospective, randomized study was conducted on 238 patients treated for carcinoma of the esophagus between January 2000 and January 2006. The study excluded 44 patients (18.49%) who were inoperable. The patients were assigned to two treatment groups of 97 each (A and B) according to a restricted permuted block randomization plan. Group A patients underwent esophagogastrectomy with wrapping of the pedicled omentum around the esophagogastric anastomosis. Group B patients underwent esophagogastrectomy without using the omental graft. An Ivor-Lewis type esophagogastrectomy (TTE) was done in 122 patients (62.89%) and a transhiatal esophagogastrectomy (THE) was done in 72 (37.11%). Anastomotic leaks occurred in 3 group A patients (3.09%) and in 14 (14.43%) group B patients. In group A, 54 patients underwent THE and 43 had TTE, with anastomotic leakage in 2 (3.70%) and 1 (2.33%) patients, respectively. In group B, 48 patients had THE and 49 had TTE, with anastomotic leakage in 8 (16.26%) and 6 (12.24%), respectively. The difference in the incidence of leakage was statistically significant (p = 0.005). There was no complication related to the omental graft technique nor was there a significant difference in the mortality between the two groups. The pedicled omental transposition for reinforcing the anastomotic suture line significantly reduces the incidence of leakage after esophagogastrectomy for carcinoma of the esophagus, thus decreasing the morbidity and mortality of the procedure.

Mycotic aneurysm of the distal aortic arch caused byAspergillus

We describe an unusual case of a thoracic aortic aneurysm caused by Aspergillus. A 70-year-old man underwent prednisolone and Ara-C treatments for a myelodysplastic syndrome. Blood examination revealed pancytopenia. Under these treatments, an aneurysm presented at the distal aortic arch. He underwent resection of the aneurysm with a graft repair covered by a pedicled omentum flap, followed by prolonged administration of micafungin and itraconazole for a mycotic aneurysm. The postoperative course was favorable without complications. Serum C-reactive protein became negative and he was discharged 2 months after the surgery. However, 4 months after the surgery, he died from worsening of the myelodysplastic syndrome. The prognosis for patients with mycotic aneurysms is poor due to their immunocompetent condition arising from underlying diseases. Therefore, in addition to prompt treatment with antifungal agents combined with surgical debridement, control of the underlying disease is essential for improving the outcome.

Attenuation of pain perception after transposition of the greater omentum to the cauda equina region of rats—a preliminary observation

Background: This paper addresses a specific experimental design to suggest the possible role of the greater omentum in the modulation of pain in rats.Methods: Fifteen male Sprague–Dawley rats weighing between 275 and 325 g were selected. The animals were randomized and then anesthetized with pentobarbital (35 mg/kg) and divided into three groups: (1) sham: laparotomy followed by laminectomy with exposure of the spinal epidural space (n=5); (2) transposition of pedicled omentum (n=5) to the cauda equina epidural space; and (3) transposition of pedicled omentum (n=5) to the cauda equina intradural space. The animals were operated upon and once more randomized by an independent investigator, so that the groups were thought to be similar during post-operative testing. The latency of paw withdrawal to noxious heat stimulation was tested and the values (seconds) plotted for 1, 3, 6, 11, 14 and 30 days after surgery. Randomization codes were open after the animals were euthanized. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) without replication was applied for each of the dataset and comparisons established among the different study groups involved. The omenta were removed and standard immunohistochemistry was performed for gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA), serotonin, calcitonin-gene related protein (CGRP), vascular intestinal peptide (VIP) and Met-enkephalin.Results: The response to high heating rates of stimulation favored intradural versus sham and epidural omental transpositions. High and low noxious heat stimulation suggested an increased threshold to noxious stimulation after the 3 and 30 days of omental transposition. In the low heat stimulation series, responses were comparatively higher than in the sham animals.Conclusions: The suggested increased threshold of response to noxious stimulation after transposition of the greater omentum onto the spinal cord of rats suggested a novel role of the omentum and a potential future application in the clinical arena.

Omental transpositionto the brain as a surgical method for treating Alzheimer's disease

The purpose of this study was to learn the effect of omental transposition to the brain of patients who exhibited the most serious effects of long-standing Alzheimer's disease. Ten patients who had extremely low Mini Mental-State Examination scores of 2-14 underwent placement of their elongated pedicled omentum onto their left parietal-temporal cerebral cortex. Patients underwent pre- and post-operative MRI and SPECT scans in addition to long-term neurological and neuropsychological testing. All were followed up to one year. In spite of the patients' severe cognitive and functional disability, several of the patients demonstrated subjective and objective improvement, especially in terms of their functional status.

Vaginal reconstruction/fistulae.

Vaginal reconstruction is required in congenital absence of the vagina in the paediatric population and in patients with surgical (anterior exenteration) or traumatic loss of the vagina. Although vaginal agenesis is rare, its description and attempts at replacement vaginoplasty date back to antiquity. Different forms of vaginal reconstruction are described, including the use of split-thickness or full-thickness grafts, amnion, peritoneum or bowel. Experience with bowel segments for vaginoplasty, with few complications and high success rates, have expanded the indications for this technique, rendering it of great importance in the field of vaginal reconstruction, especially when large bowel segments are utilized. Most vaginal fistulae occur after gynaecological surgery. There is a multitude of established techniques for closure of vaginal fistulae with comparable success rates, and two different approaches (vaginal or abdominal) may be used. Preferable for complicated or recurrent fistulae is the abdominal approach because a well vascularized pedicled omentum majus flap can be interposed. Postirradiation fistulae, although rare, represent a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. Fistula excision and closure fails in a high percentage of patients, and in cases of additional bladder and vaginal shrinkage urinary continence can only be achieved by urinary diversion.

Lymphedema and Lymphocysts Following Lymphadenectomy May Be Prevented by Omentoplasty: A Pilot Study

Objectives. Pelvic lymph node dissection as part of the staging surgery for cervical carcinoma interrupts the afferent lymphatics, so the lymph drains retroperitoneally. New surgical techniques designed to leave the peritoneum open after the retroperitoneal dissection, in particular the application of a pedicled omentoplasty along the dissection route, have been advocated to prevent the formation of lymphocysts and lymphedema. We investigated the possible benefit of pedicled omentoplasty in preventing lymphocysts and lymphedema following pelvic lymph node dissection.Methods. In this pilot study with historical controls we compared the formation of lymphocysts and lymphedema following two different surgical techniques for pelvic node dissection: group I (historical controls), in which the dorsal peritoneum was left open, and group II, in which the dorsal peritoneum was left open with application of a pedicled omentoplasty. In these two groups of gynecologic patients, we compared the lymph flow patterns and the occurrence of lymphedema following systemic pelvic lymphadenectomy. The two groups were of comparable clinical status and consisted of 12 (group I) and 10 (group II) patients. Lymphocysts, if any, were detected by CT scan, the lymph flow patterns were visualized by dynamic lymphscintography, and lymphedema was visualized by physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging of the groin and the upper leg.Results. In both groups a distinct intraperitoneal absorption of the lymph fluid was observed. Pedicled omentoplasty seemed to facilitate the absorption or transport of lymph fluid, resulting in less lymphedema in the upper leg.Conclusion. It appeared that leaving the dorsal peritoneum open to give the lymph stream the opportunity to pour into the abdominal cavity is important in preventing lymphocysts and lymphedema. The dynamic lymphscintigraphy described in this paper showed that the intraabdominal lymph flow is absorbed by the peritoneum and even more quickly by the pedicled omentum.