Omentoplasty in abdominoperineal resection: a review of the literature using a systematic approach.

PURPOSE

Abdominoperineal resection is associated with considerable morbidity, in particular, the perineal wound. Omentoplasty has been proposed as a means of reducing the perineal complication rate after abdominoperineal resection. This study was designed to assess the available evidence for omentoplasty in abdominoperineal resection.

METHODS

A MEDLINE search from January 1970 to July 2005 was performed to locate English language articles relating to omentoplasty in abdominoperineal resection. Manual search via reference lists identified additional articles. Articles reporting results from at least ten patients in whom abdominoperineal resection with an omentoplasty was performed were considered. All included reports were reviewed by using a predetermined protocol.

RESULTS

Among the ten reports identified, no randomized trials, four studies with control groups, and six case series were found. Primary healing was the outcome measure that was most consistently reported in the different articles. Most authors reported positive results after omentoplasty, and one study showed significant improvement in perineal healing rate at six months. Significant reduction in sinus formation and wound dehiscence also was reported. Only few complications related to the omentoplasty, none of which was fatal, were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Although results from the studies included in this review indicate that there may be benefits from including an omentoplasty when performing an abdominoperineal resection, the lack of randomized studies results in only weak evidence.