
The omentum ("policeman of the abdomen") is a double layer of fatty tissue that covers and supports the intestines and organs in the lower abdomen. The omentum comprises the greater omentum which is important storage for fat deposits and the lesser omentum which holds the stomach and intestines in place next to the liver and connects them via blood vessels.
What is omentoplasty?
Omentoplasty is a surgical procedure in which part of the greater omentum is used to cover or fill a defect, improve arterial or venous circulation, decrease effusion (fluid accumulation) or increase lymphatic drainage.
Why is omentoplasty done?
Omentoplasty has been used in various settings involving conditions within and outside the abdomen. Omentoplasty is indicated for the following cases:
- Gastrointestinal: Hydatid disease of the liver (fluid-filled cyst containing parasites in the liver), perforated peptic ulcer, surgically treatable pancreatic and intestinal conditions
- Gynecologic: After abdominal hysterectomy, vesicovaginal fistulae, vaginal reconstruction
- Vascular: Revascularization in vascular diseases
- Cardiothoracic: Infections in the chest, chest-wall reconstruction
- Reconstruction: Throat reconstruction, filarial lymphedema of the leg
When should omentoplasty be avoided?
Omentoplasty may be contraindicated in the following conditions:
- Presence of advanced intra-abdominal tumors
- Unavailability of a sufficient length of omentum for the procedure being planned.
- This may be due to prior intra-abdominal infections or previous surgical procedures.
- Poor blood supply of the omentum
- Poor health status of the patient
How is omentoplasty performed?
Before the surgery
- The surgeon performs a complete physical assessment.
- Complete blood and radiological tests are performed, and the consent is obtained from the patient prior to surgery.
During the surgery
- Omentoplasty may be classified into the following two types
- Type I – Single-layered omentum
- Type II – Double-layered omentum
- The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
- In this procedure, part of the colon and stomach are removed from the abdomen through a surgical incision.
- The greater omentum is then detached from the colon and stomach.
- The arterial pattern of the omental vessels is carefully studied once the omentum has been fully mobilized.
- The omentum is then lengthened by dividing it according to the anatomic pattern of the vessels.
- The omentum is then transplanted to the site required.
- The final step of the procedure is surgical wound closure. The abdomen is closed in layers.
- A surgical drain may be inserted to drain fluid and blood accumulation.
- After cleaning all of the wounds with an antiseptic solution, sterile dressings are applied.
After the surgery
What are the complications of omentoplasty?
Some complications of omentoplasty are:
- Ileus (paralysis of the intestine)
- Infection
- Abscess formation (pus accumulation)
- Intestinal obstruction
- Necrosis (tissue death) of the omental flap
- Abdominal hernia (abnormal protrusion of an organ or other piece of tissue through a weakening in the muscle walls of the abdominal cavity)

SLIDESHOW
Appendicitis: Symptoms, Signs, Causes, Appendectomy in Detail See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Top What Is the Omentum Related Articles
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can have many causes that range from mild to severe. Some of these causes include bloating, gas, colitis, endometriosis, food poisoning, GERD, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), ovarian cysts, abdominal adhesions, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, gallbladder disease, liver disease, and cancers. Signs and symptoms of the more serious causes include dehydration, bloody or black tarry stools, severe abdominal pain, pain with no urination or painful urination. Treatment for abdominal pain depends upon the cause.Children's Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain in children can be more than just a tummy ache. What are the common causes of abdominal pain in children? Learn about pediatric abdominal pain symptoms and treatments for stomach pain in children.14 Best and Worst Foods for Your Liver
Get some simple diet tips to keep your liver healthy, including the best veggies to keep disease away and some snacks you'll want to avoid.Hernia (Abdominal Hernia)
A hernia occurs when an organ or piece of tissue protrudes from the space in which it is normally contained. Symptoms of a hernia include pain, nausea, vomiting, bowel obstruction, and fever. Hernias are diagnosed by a physical exam and imaging tests. Some hernias may be held in place with a supportive belt. Other hernias require surgical repair. The prognosis of people who undergo elective hernia repair tends to be good.Is A Colon Resection A Major Surgery?
Colon resection (colectomy) is the surgical removal of part or the entire colon. Colectomy is a major surgery and may take up to four hours for completion. Colectomy is performed under general anesthesia and may require hospitalization for up to a week or more.Liver Disease Quiz
What is liver disease? Take the Liver Disease Quiz and test your knowledge about this organ and its function.Liver Picture
Front View of the Liver. The liver is a large, meaty organ that sits on the right side of the belly. See a picture of the Liver and learn more about the health topic.What Is Liver Resection?
Liver resection is a surgical procedure in which a portion of the liver is removed. The operation is generally performed to remove various types of tumors that are located in the liver. The goal of liver resection is to remove the tumor(s) and the surrounding liver tissue without leaving any tumor tissue behind.Peritonitis
Peritonitis is a bacterial infection inside the abdomen. Some doctors choose to group the causes of peritonitis into five categories; 1) primary peritonitis, 2) secondary peritonitis, 3) tertiary peritonitis, 4) chemical (sterile) peritonitis, and 5) peritoneal abscess. Others do not categorize peritonitis, they use a term to describe the disease in front or behind the word peritonitis. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment is generally with antibiotics.
What Is A Colon Resection?
Colon resection (colectomy) is the surgical removal of part or all of the colon. The surgeon removes the diseased part of the colon and connects the remaining healthy parts (anastomosis).What Is Abdominal Wall Reconstruction?
Abdominal wall reconstruction is a surgery involving the reconstruction of the abdominal wall in order to restore anatomy and function. For example, abdominal wall reconstruction can be used to repair a hernia of the front of the abdomen. The abdominal wall (or the belly) protects the abdominal organs, such as the stomach, the liver and others and helps maintain posture while supporting the spine. The abdominal wall also assists in important body functions such as coughing, urination, and defecation.