The Omentum: Anatomical, Metabolic, and Surgical Aspects

Abstract

This article reviews the existing and potential surgical applications of the omentum.

The Incapacity of the Surgeon to Identify NASH in Bariatric Surgery Makes Biopsy Mandatory

“…Visceral fat is functionally and metabolically distinct from other adipose tissue stores [28], and patients with intra-abdominal fat have higher plasma glucose and triglyceride levels than patients with predominantly subcutaneous fat [29,30]. Visceral fat secretes proinflammatory mediators such as platelet activator inhibitor-1, tumor necrosis factor α, and could be related to NASH [31]. Because of these evidences, we hypothesized whether great omentum thickness could predict patients with NASH during surgery, but once again the statistics show no relationship.…”

Double Omental Flap Reduced Perianastomotic Collections and Relaparotomy Rates after Pancreaticoduodenectomy with Pancreaticogastrostomy

“…Currently, omentum is recognized as an organ with several function, ranging from its ability to reduce sepsis in peritonitis to contributing to wound healing and repair. In particular, the omentum is the Table 2 Postoperative complications according to Dindo's classification [12] a Three relaparotomies were performed in three patients PG pancreaticogastrostomy a In parenthesis the shortest and the largest diameter registered b Clinically relevant: in this column we reported the percentage of the corresponding radiological finding that was associated with any postoperative complications primary peritoneal defense organ responsible for absorption and clearance of bacteria and debris from the peritoneal cavity [20]. Conversely, its ability to reduce anastomotic leak or pancreatic fistula in gastrointestinal surgery is still a matter of controversy [21][22][23].…”

Pelvic Reconstruction with Omental and VRAM Flaps: Anatomy, Surgical Technique, Normal Postoperative Findings, and Complications

“…The omentum is derived from the dorsal mesogastrium and consists of a multilayered fold of peritoneum that contains mostly fat and lymph nodes. The omentum can be divided anatomically into the greater and lesser omenta and the gastrohepatic and hepatoduodenal ligaments (17). The greater omentum is used for omental pedicle flaps.…”