Omentoplasty versus cecal mobilization after abdominoperineal resection: A propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite the minimally invasive approach and early rehabilitation, abdominal-perineal resection (APR) remains a procedure with high morbidity, notably due to postoperative trapped bowel ileus and perineal healing complications. Several surgical techniques have been described for filling the pelvic void to prevent abscess formation and ileus by trapped bowel loop. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to compare the post APR complications for cancer of two of these techniques, omentoplasty and cecal mobilization, in a single-center study from an expert colorectal surgery center. PATIENTS: From 2012 to 2022, 84 patients were included, including 58 (69%) with omentoplasty and 26 (31%) with cecal mobilization. They all underwent APR at Bordeaux University Hospital Center. SETTINGS: A propensity score was used to avoid confounding factors as far as possible. Patient and procedure characteristics were initially comparable. RESULTS: The 30-day complication rate was significantly higher in the cecal mobilization group (53.8% vs. 5.2% p < 0.01), as was the rate of pelvic abscess (34.6% vs. 0% p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that, when feasible, omentoplasty should be considered the preferred method for pelvic reconstruction following APR.

Omentum pregnancy resulting in severe hemoperitoneum: Lessons learned from a review of the literature along with a case report.

Abdominal pregnancies are a rare form of ectopic pregnancy with omentum pregnancies being even rarer. Ectopic pregnancy should be diagnosed and terminated early to prevent the risk of harm to the mother. This case report describes a rare case of omentum pregnancy with severe hemoperitoneum. The patient had not visited a doctor until she failed to menstruate for 3 months, by which point she had developed severe hypogastralgia. The patient was diagnosed with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy after ultrasonography. The omentum pregnancy was complicated by severe hemoperitoneum, which was confirmed by emergency laparotomy. The patient was treated successfully with fetal extraction and partial omentectomy. Ultrasound examination in early pregnancy is essential to detect and treat ectopic pregnancies as early as possible, as surgery is usually required for abdominal pregnancies. Prompt treatment of ectopic pregnancies is critical, as an omentum pregnancy is dangerous and may result in severe intraperitoneal bleeding.

[Successful Closure of Postpneumonectomy Bronchopleural Fistula with Inserting Technique of Omental Pedicle Flap into the Right Main Bronchus:Report of a Case].

A 67-year-old male was admitted to our hospital for the treatment of pyothorax due to bronchopleural fistula at right main bronchus after pneumonectomy for lung cancer( squamous cell carcinoma, pathological stageⅢB). After tube drainage and fenestration, we performed operation to close large diameter fistula, that was almost fully opened stump of the right main bronchus. Omental flap was sutured roughly to the fistula with four stiches and inserted into the bronchus lumen, and covered with latissimus dorsi muscle flap to fix omental pedicle flap and additionally performed thoracoplasty to close the residual space of the pleural cavity. Fistula at the stump became airtight after operation and pyothorax was cured, so our method was thought to be available to close large diameter bronchopleural fistula with omental pedicle flap.

Cystic lymphangioma of the lesser omentum in an adult patient.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphangiomas belong to the group of benign vascular tumors that originate in the lymphatic tissue. Up to 90% of cases manifest in children before the second year of life. In adults, their presence is very rare. In most cases, they are located in the head, neck and axilla. Intra-abdominal lymphangiomas are very rare and represent less than 1% of all cases. CASE REPORT: The authors present the case of a 64-year-old female patient diagnosed with an intra-abdominal cystic lesion following a routine examination. A CT scan of the abdomen confirmed a cystic lesion located in the lesser omentum between the left lobe of the liver and the lesser curvature of the stomach. The patient was scheduled for laparoscopic exstirpation of the lesion. Histological examination confirmed the clinical diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma of the lesser omentum. CONCLUSION: The etiopathogenesis of lymphangiomas remains unclear. Despite the fact that they are benign tumors, lymphangiomas tend to have an infiltrative pattern of growth, invading surrounding structures. The majority of cases are asymptomatic and the diagnosis is incidental. The gold standard in treatment remains complete surgical extirpation with microscopically negative margins.

Omental metastases in patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei or colorectal peritoneal metastases - is routine omentectomy justified?

BACKGROUND: The greater omentum is routinely resected during cytoreductive surgery (CRS), but few studies have analyzed the rationale behind this. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of omental metastases (OM) and the correlation between macroscopically suspected and microscopically confirmed OM, in patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) or colorectal peritoneal metastases (PM). METHOD: All patients without previous omentectomy, treated with initial CRS and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for PMP or colorectal PM, at Uppsala University Hospital in 2013-2021, were included. Macroscopic OM in surgical reports was compared with histopathological analyses. RESULTS: In all, 276 patients were included. In those with PMP, 112 (98%) underwent omentectomy and 67 (59%) had macroscopic suspicion of OM. In 5 (4%) patients, the surgeon was uncertain. Histopathology confirmed OM in 81 (72%). In patients with macroscopic suspicion, 96% had confirmed OM (positive predictive value, PPV). In patients with no suspicion, 24% had occult OM (negative predictive value, NPV = 76%). In patients with colorectal PM, 156 (96%) underwent omentectomy and 97 (60%) had macroscopic suspicion. For 5 (3%) patients, the surgeon was uncertain. OM was microscopically confirmed in 90 (58%). PPV was 85% and NPV was 89%. The presence of OM was a univariate risk factor for death in PMP (HR 3.62, 95%CI 1.08-12.1) and colorectal PM (HR 1.67, 95%CI 1.07-2.60), but not in multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION: OM was common and there was a high risk of missing occult OM in both PMP and colorectal PM. These results support the practice of routine omentectomy during CRS.

Laparoscopically treated bowel obstruction secondary to a lesser omental hernia resulting from a previous laparoscopic total colectomy for ulcerative colitis: A report of two cases.

Lesser omental hernias are rare; however, they should be considered in symptomatic bowel obstruction subsequent to a subtotal or total colectomy. This report describes two cases of recurrent bowel obstruction secondary to lesser omental hernias after laparoscopic total colectomies for ulcerative colitis. Initially, these patients had been treated conservatively; however, due to symptom recurrence, surgical intervention was decided on. In both cases, laparoscopic surgery revealed lesser omental hernias. The small bowel, which had entered from the dorsal aspect of the stomach, was returned to the original position, and the lesser omentum was closed. The patients were discharged uneventfully, with no recurrent bowel obstruction during the follow-up period. These cases highlight the importance of including internal hernias in the differential diagnosis relative to recurrent bowel obstruction, in patient subpopulations with a prior history of a subtotal or total colectomy. Confirmation by computed tomography is preferable.

Eureka: objective assessment of the empty pelvis syndrome to measure volumetric changes in pelvic dead space following pelvic exenteration.

BACKGROUND: Large tissue defects following pelvic exenteration (PE) fill with fluid and small bowel, leading to the empty pelvis syndrome (EPS). EPS causes a constellation of complications including pelvic sepsis and reduced quality of life. EPS remains poorly defined and cannot be objectively measured. Pathophysiology of EPS is multifactorial, with increased pelvic dead space potentially important. This study aims to describe methodology to objectively measure volumetric changes relating to EPS. METHODS: The true pelvis is defined by the pelvic inlet and outlet. Within the true pelvis there is physiological pelvic dead space (PDS) between the peritoneal reflection and the inlet. This dead space is increased following PE and is defined as the exenteration pelvic dead space (EPD). EPD may be reduced with pelvic filling and the volume of filling is defined as the pelvic filling volume (PFV). PDS, EPD, and PFV were measured intraoperatively using a bladder syringe, and Archimedes' water displacement principle. RESULTS: A patient undergoing total infralevator PE had a PDS of 50 ml. A rectus flap rendered the pelvic outlet watertight. EPD was then measured as 540 ml. Therefore there was a 10.8-fold increase in true pelvis dead space. An omentoplasty was placed into the EPD, displacing 130 ml; therefore, PFV as a percentage of EPD was 24.1%. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported quantitative assessment of pathophysiological volumetric changes of pelvic dead space; these measurements may correlate to severity of EPS. PDS, EPD, and PFV should be amendable to assessment based on perioperative cross-sectional imaging, allowing for potential prediction of EPS-related outcomes.

Retromesenteric omental flap as arterial coverage in pancreaticoduodenectomy: A novel technique to prevent postpancreatectomy hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Clinically relevant postpancreatectomy hemorrhage occurs in 10% to 15% of patients after pancreaticoduodenectomy, mainly in association with clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula. Prevention of postpancreatectomy hemorrhage by arterial coverage with a round ligament plasty or an omental flap is controversial. This study assessed the impact of arterial coverage with an original retromesenteric omental flap on postpancreatectomy hemorrhage after pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included 812 open pancreaticoduodenectomies (2012-2021) and compared 146 procedures with arterial coverage using retromesenteric omental flap to 666 pancreaticoduodenectomies without arterial coverage. The Fistula Risk Score was calculated. The primary endpoint was a 90-day clinically relevant postpancreatectomy hemorrhage rate according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery classification. RESULTS: There were more patients with a Fistula Risk Score ≥7 in the arterial coverage-retromesenteric omental flap group: 18 (12%) versus 48 (7%) (P < .01). Clinically relevant postpancreatectomy hemorrhage was less frequent in the arterial coverage- retromesenteric omental flap group than in the no arterial coverage group: 5 (3%) versus 66 (10%), respectively (P = .01). Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 28 (19%) patients in the arterial coverage- retromesenteric omental flap group compared with 165 (25%) in the no arterial coverage group (P = .001). There were fewer reoperations for postpancreatectomy hemorrhage or postoperative pancreatic fistula in the arterial coverage- retromesenteric omental flap group: 1 (0.7%) versus 32 (5%) in the no arterial coverage group (P = .023). In multivariate analysis, arterial coverage with retromesenteric omental flap was an independent protective factor of clinically relevant postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (odds ratio 0.33; 95% confidence interval [0.12-0.92], P = .034) whereas postoperative pancreatic fistula of any grade (odds ratio = 10.1; 95% confidence interval: 5.1-20.3, P < .001) was predictive of this complication. CONCLUSION: Arterial coverage with retromesenteric omental flap can reduce rates of clinically relevant postpancreatectomy hemorrhage after pancreaticoduodenectomy. This easy and costless technique should be prospectively evaluated to confirm these results.

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

OBJECTIVE: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

Mesenteric and omental lymphatic malformations in children: seven-year surgical experience from two centers in China.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical characteristics, surgical management and prognosis of mesenteric lymphatic malformations (ML) and omental lymphatic malformations (OL) in children. METHODS: This retrospective study included 148 ML patients and 53 OL patients who underwent surgical treatment at two centers between January 2016 and December 2022. Details about the patients' clinical characteristics, cyst characteristics, preoperative complications, surgical methods, and prognosis were retrieved and compared. RESULTS: No significant differences in sex ratio, prenatal diagnosis, or age of diagnosis were noted between ML and OL patients. Vomiting was more common in ML patients than in OL patients (46.6% vs. 22.6%, P = 0.002), but OL patients were more likely to be misdiagnosed (35.8% vs. 18.9%, P = 0.012). The size of the cysts in OL patients was significantly larger than that in ML patients (14.0 [4.0-30.0] vs. 10.0 [2.0-50.0] cm, P<0.001), and cysts with turbid fluid were more common in OL patients (38.0% vs. 20.6%, P<0.001). More OL patients than ML patients had preoperative hemorrhage or infection of cysts (41.5% vs. 31.8%, P<0.016). Cyst excision was performed in 137 (92.6%) ML patients and 51 (96.2%) OL patients, and the incidence of postoperative complications was lower (12.6% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.165) among OL patients. The main postoperative complications included adhesive ileus and recurrence of cysts. Additionally, more OL patients than ML patients were treated with laparoscopic surgery (69.8% vs. 39.2%, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There were differences in clinical characteristics, cyst characteristics and preoperative complications between ML and OL patients. Cyst excision was the most common surgical method that was used to treat both ML and OL patients, and laparoscopic surgery could be a feasible surgical approach for treating OL patients with a good prognosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered.

Mediastinal transposition of the greater omentum for treatment of infected prostheses of the ascending aorta and aortic arch.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of transposition of the omentum into the mediastinum to support the replacement of infected aortic grafts or to cover infected aortic grafts that are not amenable for surgical replacement. METHODS: All patients with thoracic aortic graft infections who underwent mediastinal transposition of the omentum at our institution between 2005 and 2023 were included in this study. Mediastinal transposition of the omentum was performed either after replacement of the infected graft ('curative concept') or solely as bailout procedure by wrapping the infected graft ('palliative concept'). The diagnosis, including computed tomography scans during follow-up, was made according to the criteria of the Management of Aortic Graft Infection Collaboration. RESULTS: The patient cohort consisted of 31 patients. Both in-hospital and 1-year mortality were 0% (n = 0) for the curative concept (n = 9) compared to 23% (n = 5) and 41% (n = 9) for the palliative concept (n = 22), respectively. There was no graft infection-associated death or recurrence of infection after 3 years in the curative group. Survival was 52% at 3 years in the palliative group, with freedom of infection in 59% of the patients (n = 13). CONCLUSIONS: Transposition of the omentum and wrapping of the infected aortic prosthetic graft is a useful bailout strategy for patients who are ineligible for replacement of an infected aortic graft. However, mortality stays high. For radical treatment of aortic graft infections, it may prove an effective supportive therapy and represents an important tool in the armamentarium of cardiac surgeons.

Primary omental pregnancy after in vitro fertilization complicated by hemoperitoneum-how to manage it laparoscopically.

OBJECTIVE: To report an uncommon case of primary OP treated laparoscopically. Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is the leading cause of maternal mortality during the first trimester and the incidence increases with assisted reproductive techniques, occurring in approximately 1.5%-2.1% of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization.1 Omental pregnancy (OP) is an extremely rare form of EP accounting for less than 1% of all EPs. OP can be classified as primary or secondary on the basis of Studdiford's criteria2. The preoperative diagnosis of OP is complex and usually occur in acute circumstances during a throughout intraoperative evaluation of the abdomen.3-5 A delayed diagnosis poses a serious threat to the survival of the patient; therefore, it is important to remark that EP can exist in unusual locations and prompt surgical intervention may be necessary. DESIGN: A step-by-step narrated video of a rare clinical case and description of the surgical procedure. SETTING: Tertiary Level Academic Hospital "IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero - Universitaria di Bologna" Bologna, Italy. PATIENT: A 36-year-old woman was referred to our emergency room because of acute abdominal pain and nausea for 2 hours with no signs of hemodynamic instability. The patient also complained that poor vaginal bleeding appeared during the last 24 hours. The patient has undergone a cycle of in vitro fertilization with an elective single frozen embryo transfer of a blastocyst on day 5, 2 months before. She had no relevant clinical or surgical history. Diffuse abdominal tenderness and a painful uterus at mobilization were appreciated at clinical examination. A massive hemoperitoneum was diagnosed using transvaginal-transabdominal ultrasound, and no uterine or adnexal lesions were identified. The ß-human chronic gonadotropin level was 43.861 mIU/mL, and the hemoglobin value was 10.5 g/dL. INTERVENTIONS: On suspicion of a ruptured EP, after detailed counseling and the acquisition of informed consent, a laparoscopic exploration was planned. First, the hemoperitoneum was evacuated to allow visualization of the abdominal cavity. At pelvic inspection, no EP was found. Throughout the exploration of the abdominal cavity, a 4-cm bluish cystic mass of friable consistency was detected infiltrating the omentum and the mesentery. According to Studdiford's criteria, the diagnosis of a primary OP was established. A careful and complete excision of the ectopic implant was performed with an ultrasonic system and required a considerable hemostatic effort using bipolar energy, endoscopic clips, and mechanical compression. The postoperative course was uneventful. The ß-human chronic gonadotropin levels gradually decreased to negative values within 29 days after surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Omental ectopic pregnancy can be successfully managed with a laparoscopic approach even in an emergency setting. CONCLUSION: Omental pregnancy can easily be overlooked, even by skilled surgeons, during laparoscopic exploration. It is mandatory that all peritoneal surfaces and the omentum be carefully inspected during surgery in patients without other signs of pelvic EP.We confirm that the patient included in this video gave consent for publication of the video and posting of the video online, including on social media, the journal website, scientific literature websites, and other applicable sites.

Laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion with omentopexy-sparing the omentum in children.

INTRODUCTION: Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis is an important modality of renal replacement therapy in children. Catheter dysfunction (commonly obstruction) is a major cause of morbidity and is a significant concern that hampers renal replacement therapy. As omentum is a significant cause of obstruction, some recommend routine omentectomy during insertion of the peritoneal dialysis catheter. Omentopexy rather than omentectomy has been described in adults to spare the omentum as it may be needed as a spare part in many conditions. Laparoscopic approach is commonly preferred as it provides global evaluation of the peritoneal space, proper location of the catheteral end in the pelvis and lesser morbidity due to inherent minimally invasive nature. AIM: The aim of this study is to present the technique of laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter placement in children with concurrent omentopexy. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated our patients who underwent laparoscopic placement of peritoneal dialysis catheter with concomitant omentopexy or omentectomy. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients were enrolled who received either omentectomy (n = 18) or omentopexy (n = 12). Four catheters were lost in the omentopexy group (33%) and 3 in the omentectomy group (17%), but none were related to omental obstruction. Three out of 4 patients in the omentopexy group and 2 out of 3 patients in the omentectomy group had a previous abdominal operation as a potential cause of catheter loss. Previous history of abdominal surgery was present in 6 patients (50%) in the omentopexy group and 3 patients (17%) in the omentectomy group. CONCLUSIONS: As omentum was associated with catheter failure, omentectomy is commonly recommended. Alternatively, omentopexy can be preferred in children to spare an organ that may potentially be necessary for many surgical reconstructive procedures in the future. Laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter placement with concomitant omentopexy appears as a feasable and reproducible technique. Although the catheter loss seems to be higher in the omentopexy group, none was related with the omentopexy procedure and may be related to the higher rate of history of previous abdominal operations in this group.

Malignant Extrarenal Rhabdoid tumor derived from the greater omentum: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Malignant extrarenal rhabdoid tumor (MERT) is a rare and highly metastatic tumor, which is more than 75% of patients dying within 6 months of initial diagnosis, and it often leads to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. CASE: This paper reports a 16-year-old girl who presented with the chief complaint of acute abdominal pain. She underwent laparoscopic exploration and excisional biopsy, then pathological examination and immunohistochemistry revealed "extrarenal malignant rhabdomyoma." One month after operation, she died of intra-abdominal hemorrhage and multiple organ dysfunction. CONCLUSION: MERT were often misdiagnosed and had a poor prognosis. The surgery and chemotherapy are usually beneficial to prolong the survival time of patients with MERT.

A randomized controlled trial to compare short-term outcomes following infragastric and infracolic omentectomy at the time of primary debulking surgery for epithelial ovarian cancer with normal-appearing omentum.

BACKGROUND: Omentectomy is an important procedure in surgery for epithelial ovarian cancer, but the scope of omentectomy is not recommended in the guidelines. This study was performed to evaluate the benefits and risks of infragastric omentectomy in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. METHODS: This trial is a single center prospective study. Primary epithelial ovarian cancer patients with normal-appearing omentum were randomly assigned to either the control or experimental group and underwent infracolic or infragastric omentectomy, respectively. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival. This trial is registered on Chinese clinical trial registry site (ChiCTR1800018771). RESULTS: A total of 106 patients meeting the inclusion criteria for ovarian cancer were included during the study period. Of these, 53 patients underwent infracolic omentectomy, whereas 53 patients received infragastric omentectomy. Multivariate analysis revealed that infragastric omentectomy could improve the detection rate of omental metastases (OR: 6.519, P = 0.005). Infragastric omentectomy improved progression-free survival significantly for those cases with higher than stage IIB disease (HR: 0.456, P = 0.041). Based on the short-term results, infragastric omentectomy did not cause more perioperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with infracolic omentectomy, infragrastric omentectomy may be a more appropriate surgical procedure for stage IIB-IIIC epithelial ovarian cancer patients with normal-appearing omentum.

What are the short- and long-term abdominal consequences of an omentectomy? A systematic review.

This review provides an overview regarding the abdominal effects of an omentectomy, with or without extra-peritoneal reconstructions. In general, reported complication rates were low. Short-term complications involved ileus, bowel stenosis, abdominal abscess and sepsis (range 0.0%-23%). Donor-site hernia was mainly reported as long-term complication (up to 32%) and negligible gastrointestinal complications were observed. However, the level of evidence and methodological quality are quite low with a maximum of 8.5 years follow-up.

Primary Omental Torsion in Children in the Laparoscopy Era: What Have we Learned so far?

BACKGROUND/AIM: Primary omental torsion is uncommon, mimicking appendicitis and other acute abdominal pathologies. It often escapes diagnosis on imaging investigation or conventional open laparotomy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of laparoscopy on the various parameters of this entity, including incidence, diagnosis, and treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was performed, including PubMed and Scopus databases, without a time limit, following the PRISMA principles. A total of 16 articles from January 2000 to December 2023, corresponding to 56 children with primary omental torsion, complied with the research criteria. RESULTS: Primary omental torsion was associated with obesity. Symptoms were right abdomen oriented, often compared to those of acute appendicitis. Preoperative ultrasound displayed low diagnostic accuracy, whereas computerized tomography diagnosed only two thirds of cases. In all patients, the vermiform appendix was normal. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy affected both diagnosis and treatment of primary omental torsion in children. Easy peritoneal cavity access rendered possible the diagnosis of cases previously discharged as abdominal pain of unknown etiology. Combined with the increased pediatric obesity, it also affected primary omental torsion incidence. The recent pathogenetic theories may be better supported today, as laparoscopy provides a detailed view in situ, and facilitates harvesting of fat tissue from the omentum for molecular investigation. The diagnostic efficiency of laparoscopy is superior to ultrasonography and computerized tomography. Finally, the removal of the ischemic omentum is technically easier compared to the open laparotomy alternative with all the technical difficulties of traction of a vulnerable hemorrhagic tissue through a small incision.

The outcomes of laparoscopic omentum-preserving gastrectomy compared to open surgery with omentectomy in gastric cancer patients: a propensity score matched study of 249 UICC stage 0-IV gastric cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: We performed a propensity score matched study comparing patients' short- and long-term results after laparoscopic omentum-preserving gastrectomy and open surgery with omentectomy with UICC stages 0-IV. METHODS: Between 2015 and 2022, 311 patients with gastric cancer underwent surgery at the University Clinical Centre Maribor. Of these, 249 met the inclusion criteria and 198 were included in the study group after PSM. RESULTS: Patients in both groups were well-balanced in demographic and pathological characteristics after PSM. There was no significant difference in the 5-year survival between groups (LAP: 62.2% vs. OPN: 54.4%; p = 0.950). The Cox regression model identified UICC stage and age as significant predictors for survival. In both groups, peritoneal dissemination was the most common site of recurrence. The multivariate analysis identified the UICC stage as a significant predictor for peritoneal recurrence, while omental preservation was not associated with a higher risk of peritoneal dissemination. Omentum preservation was not associated with more intestinal obstruction. Patients in the LAP group had significantly shorter hospital stays (LAP: 9(6) vs. OPN: 10(5); p = 0.009), less postoperative morbidity (LAP: 17% vs. OPN: 23.4%; p = 0.009), and significantly more extracted LNs per operation compared to open surgery (LAP: 31 ± 11 LNs vs. OPN: 25 ± 12 LNs; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Based on our results, we recommend the use of laparoscopic omentum-preserving gastrectomy in patients with early and advanced gastric cancer.

The effect of omentoplasty in various surgical operations: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Omentoplasty is commonly used in various surgeries. However, its effectiveness is unsure due to lack of convincing data and research. To clarify the impact of omentoplasty on postoperative complications of various procedures, this systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. METHODS: A systematic review of published literatures from four databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase before 14 July 2022. The authors primarily included publications on five major surgical operations performed in conjunction with omentoplasty: thoracic surgery, esophageal surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, pelvi-perineal surgery, and liver surgery. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO. RESULTS: This review included 25 273 patients from 91 studies ( n =9670 underwent omentoplasty). Omentoplasty was associated with a lower risk of overall complications particularly in gastrointestinal [relative risk (RR) 0.53; 95% CI: 0.39-0.72] and liver surgery (RR 0.54; 95% CI: 0.39-0.74). Omentoplasty reduced the risk of postoperative infection in thoracic (RR 0.38; 95% CI: 0.18-0.78) and liver surgery (RR 0.39; 95% CI: 0.29-0.52). In patients undergoing esophageal (RR 0.89; 95% CI: 0.80-0.99) and gastrointestinal (RR 0.28; 95% CI: 0.23-0.34) surgery with a BMI greater than 25, omentoplasty is significantly associated with a reduced risk of overall complications compared to patients with normal BMI. No significant differences were found in pelvi-perineal surgery, except infection in patients whose BMI ranged from 25 kg/m 2 to 29.9 kg/m 2 (RR 1.25; 95% CI: 1.04-1.50) and anastomotic leakage in patients aged over 60 (RR 0.59; 95% CI: 0.39-0.91). CONCLUSION: Omentoplasty can effectively prevent postoperative infection. It is associated with a lower incidence of multiple postoperative complications in gastrointestinal and liver surgery.