Laparoscopically harvested omental flap: results for 96 patients.

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in endoscopic surgery have allowed laparoscopic harvesting of the omental flap with minimal deformity of the donor site. This study aimed to assess the safety and long-term complication rate for laparoscopic harvest of the omental flap (LHOF).

METHODS

From April 2002 to December 2008, 96 patients underwent LHOF for immediate reconstruction after breast cancer surgery. All the patients were evaluated for operating time, length of hospital stay, and the short- and long-term complications associated with LHOF.

RESULTS

The omental flap was harvested successfully in 95 of 96 cases, and the total success rate for harvesting of the omental flaps was 99% without conversion to open surgery. The median operative time for harvesting of the omental flap was approximately 1 h. Five cases of partial graft necrosis (5.2%) and two cases of vascular injury (2.1%) to the gastroepiploic artery and vein occurred, and the graft survival rate was 96.8% (93 of 95 cases). Laparoscopy-associated complications occurred in eight cases (8.3%), including one incisional hernia.

CONCLUSIONS

As a safe and minimally invasive procedure, LHOF has a low incidence of short- and long-term complications. This technique can expand the indications and usefulness of the omental flap.