title: Extraperitoneal mobilization of the omentum--analysis of a personal series of 12 patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the paper is to evaluate the results achieved after mobilization of the omentum outside the peritoneal cavity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 01.01.2006-01.01.2012, the main author has performed an extraperitoneal mobilization of the omentum in 12 patients. The indications for the use of this flap were: prophylactic filling of the remnant space after the Miles procedure - 4 cases, solving of some pelvisubperitoneal and perineal complications after rectal surgery - 3 cases, covering of vascular prosthesis - 3 cases (2 of them with active infection) and closure of a post-pneumonectomy bronchial fistula - 1 case. The mobilization of the flap was performed by laparotomy - 10 cases, by laparoscopy - 1 case and transdiaphragmatic (thoracotomy) - 1 case; all the procedures were performed by the same team, with no assistance on behalf of a plastic surgeon.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We have encountered one immediate postoperative death through myocardial infarction on postoperative day 12 (vascular prosthesis infection in a 75 years old patient). Based on the clinical and imagistic evaluation, we have encountered no necrosis of the omental flap. At late follow-up (1-5 years) we have encountered no significant complications related to the use of this flap.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The omentum is a solution for a great variety of defects located outside the peritoneal cavity; it's mobilization is relatively simple and does not involve a major morbidity. Knowledge of the omentum's anatomy and techniques of mobilization are mandatory in digestive, thoracic and vascular surgery.
authors.affiliation: Surgical Department 4, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Targu-Mures, Romania. botianu_alexandru@yahoo.com
authors.forename: P V H
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Botianu
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Damian
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ionicã
authors.forename: O R
authors.initials: OR
authors.lastname: Lucaciu
authors.forename: A M V
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Botianu
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Botianu
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007813:Laparotomy; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009852:Omentum / Q000637:transplantation*; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013908:Thoracotomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome