Omental Transposition as an Aid in Genitourinary Reconstructive Procedures

Abstract

Mobilization of an intact omental pedicle graft for supportive use has been carried out in a variety of genitourinary reconstructive procedures. Mobilzation is accomplished by detachment of the omentum from the transverse colon and by separation from the greater curvature of the stomach. The right gastroepiploic artery is generally preserved as the blood supply to the omental pedicle. Further pedicle lengthening can be achieved as necessary by selective division of the omentum, based on the arterial anatomy. The rich vascular and lymphatic supply of the omentum and its attendant potential to contribute to healing, even in the presence of infection, while maintaining its suppleness and allowing epithelization to occur over its surface, makes the omental pedicle graft an extremely useful adjunct in the following difficult situations: complicated vesicovaginal, prostatorectal, and rectovaginal fistulas; reconstruction of the bladder neck and bulbo-membranous urethral areas; extensive injury to the bladder; and a variety of renal and ureteral reconstructive procedures.