The possibilities of greater omentum usage in thoracic surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To illustrate the wider role of an omental pedicle flap in surgical treatment for diverse thoracic organ disorders we have, retrospectively, reviewed our experience over the last 8 years.

METHODS

We used the greater omental pedicle flap in 68 patients. Bronchial stump omentopexy was performed in 35 patients with a high risk of impaired bronchial healing after right pneumonectomy as a preventive method and in two patients with an acute bronchial fistula. In 13 patients after circular tracheal or carinal resections and in four after esophago-respiratory disjoints of fistulas we applied anastomoses or circular omentopexy of the fistula zone. The omental coverage was performed in four patients with chronic empyema, in seven patients after extensive chest wall resection and in two patients with post-sternotomy mediastinites. In one patient with idiopathic fibrosing mediastinitis, one-stage allotransplantation of tracheal thoracic segment was conducted and greater omentum (GO) was used to wrap the allograft.

RESULTS

Three patients developed major complications. The first, bronchial fistula after bronchial stump omentoplasty. In two patients circular wide tracheal resection (11-12 rings) was complicated by a tracheal divergence of anastomoses. These complications were cured in a conservative way since a displaced omental flap substituted the tracheal wall and, therefore, the trachea remained hermetically sealed. In other cases, the perfect adhesive properties of the omental tissue promoted perfect adhesive properties promoted prevention of incompetence and inflammatory complications. Immunological and bacteriological examinations showed that pediculated omental flap is a lymphocyte source and promotes a decrease in bacterial quantity and activity.

CONCLUSION

We think the series demonstrates the value of the omental method, which offers excellent therapeutic results following an easy surgical procedure. This method extends indications for surgical treatment and decreases the postoperative complications.