[Indications and complications of omental transplantation to the spinal cord].

From 1984 to 1986, 56 cases with traumatic paraplegia were treated by transplanting the intact omentum to the injured spinal cord. All patients were followed up 1 to 4 years. In these patients, the sensory level descended variously in 80.0%, muscular power increased in different degrees in 60.9% and sphincter function improved in 76.8%. The indications of this operation are incomplete paraplegia with EMG showing nervous activity. Satisfactory effects can be expected in injuries of the thoracolumbar segments and in mild contusion spinal cord. Fistula with of leak of cerebrospinal fluid, is a severe complication, it may be prevented by suturing the omentum to the dura, complete hemostasis, and tight muscular suturing. The absorb function of the omentum also helps in its prevention.