The Omentum-A Forgotten Structure in Veterinary Surgery in Small Animals' Surgery.

The greater and lesser omentum are derived from embryonic mesogastrium. The expansive greater omentum in dogs covers intestinal coils, while in cats, it is smaller. Comprising distinct portions, the greater omentum is rich in lymphatics and blood vessels. Conversely, the lesser omentum spans the liver, stomach, and duodenum. Studies on canine omentum reveal unique immune cell composition and regenerative potential attributed to adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ADSCs). These cells hold promise in regenerative medicine, showing enhanced abilities compared with ADSCs from other sources. The omentum is critical in tissue repair and pathology, making it invaluable in veterinary surgery across various medical fields. The aim of this article was to research current knowledge about the applications of the omentum in veterinary surgery and the possibilities of using this structure in the future.

Laparoscopic treatment of paraprostatic cyst in two dogs - complete resection, and partial resection with omentalization: a case report.

Two intact male dogs were evaluated for symptoms, including hematuria, prostatomegaly, anuria, lethargy, and abdominal mass. Presurgical evaluations, including complete physical examinations, blood examinations, abdominal radiography with contrast (only in Case 2), ultrasonography, and computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (only in Case 1), were performed. A paraprostatic cyst was diagnosed initially, and laparoscopic exploration and surgery were performed. Complete resection was performed in case 1, whereas partial resection with omentalization was performed in case 2. Histopathological examination of the tissue samples confirmed the presence of paraprostatic pseudocysts in both cases, with no evidence of an epithelial lining. These two cases represent the first documented instances of laparoscopic treatment for extraparenchymal prostatic cysts. The laparoscopic treatment proved feasible even in the case of a giant cyst causing anuria (Case 2). Paraprostatic cysts should be considered a potential differential diagnosis for abnormal urination accompanied by an abdominal mass, and long-term postoperative follow-up is necessary.

Behavior of free omental grafts without vascular anastomosis implanted in cats experimental wounds / Comportamento do enxerto omental livre sem anastomose vascular implantado em feridas experimentais de gatos

ABSTRACT: It is known that skin healing in cats is slower and has a higher complication rate than in dogs, what leads to search for new resources to enhance this process. Omentum properties in the aid of tissue repair are known and, among the forms of extraperitoneal omentalization, the use of free omental grafts without vascular anastomosis is advantageous, but little studied; there is no knowledge about its effect on skin healing, nor if it's still viable when implanted in the subcutaneous space. Thus, the present study aimed to describe possible alterations produced by free omental graft without anastomosis inserted in the subcutaneous space, by means of macroscopic clinical analysis of the implantation region in cats. Twenty intact female cats were divided into two groups (Group 1: treated animals; Group 2: controls) of similar size. All animals were subjected to ovariosalpingohysterectomy (OSH) prior to the induction of an experimental wound for the implantation of the omental graft. Wounds were evaluated on days 1, 2, 4, 8, and 15 postsurgery and then weekly until no lesions were noted. Data regarding color, consistency, presence or absence of crusts, wound resistance, and volume measurements were recorded. There was activation of the omentum on the 4th day of evaluation with reduction of hemorrhage and an increase in the resistance to traction of the experimental wound. We concluded that the omentum without vascular anastomosis is capable of maintaining its viability and exert positive influence on the repair process without showing deleterious signs on the implantation site.

RESUMO: Sabe-se que a cicatrização de pele em gatos é mais lenta e apresenta índice maior de complicações que nos cães, dai a importância da busca de novos recursos para estimular o processo cicatricial. São conhecidas as propriedades do omento no auxílio ao reparo tecidual e, dentre as formas de omentalização extraperitoneal, o uso do omento livre sem anastomose vascular é vantajoso, porém pouco estudado; não há conhecimento sobre seu efeito na cicatrização cutânea, tampouco se permanece viável quando implantado no espaço subcutâneo. Sendo assim, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar possíveis alterações produzidas pelo enxerto omental livre sem anastomose inserido no espaço subcutâneo, por meio da avaliação clínica macroscópica da região de implantação em gatos. Foram utilizadas 20 gatas, de idade entre um e sete anos, sem alterações em exame de sangue, FIV/FELV negativas. Os animais foram divididos em dois grupos (Tratado e Controle) de igual tamanho, diferindo quanto à utilização do enxerto de omento livre. Foi realizada cirurgia de ovariossalpingohisterectomia (OSH) em todos os animais, previamente à criação da ferida experimental para implantação ou não do enxerto omental. As feridas foram avaliadas nos dias 1, 2, 4, 8 e 15 do pós-operatório e a partir de então semanalmente, até nenhuma alteração ser observada. Foram anotados dados referentes à coloração, consistência, presença de crosta, resistência da ferida e medidas do volume. Nos resultados destacou-se a ativação do omento no quarto dia de avaliação, observada pelo aumento de volume, com redução de hemorragia e aumento na resistência da ferida experimental à tração. Conclui-se que o omento em sua forma livre sem anastomose é capaz de manter sua viabilidade e exercer influência positiva sobre o processo de reparo, sem demonstrar sinais deletérios sobre a região implantada.

Retroperitoneal Abscess Associated With a Migrating Grass Awn in a Cat: Treatment With Omentalization and Grass Awn Removal.

An 18-month-old domestic short hair male castrated cat presented with a history of fever of unknown origin of 1-year duration. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a mixed echogenicity mass. Cytological examination of the fluid obtained through fine needle aspiration was consistent with a retroperitoneal abscess. The cat underwent a midline celiotomy and the abscess was opened, lavaged, and omentalized. Antibiotics were also administered. Two months after surgery, the cat represented with a fluctuant swelling in the right flank region at the lumbodorsal triangle. Abdominal and mass ultrasound showed a mixed echogenicity swelling in the right flank. Under gas anesthesia, the swelling was surgically explored and a 0.4 cm long grass awn was found and removed. Telephone communication with the owners 6 months after surgery found the cat to be free of clinical signs.

Treatment of pancreatic pseudocyst with omentalization in a dog / 대한수의학회지

The pathogenesis of pancreatic pseudocyst is still not understood. A 5-year-old, 24-kg intact female Shetland Sheepdog was presented with anorexia and vomiting. Diagnostic imaging tests revealed that the left limb of the pancreas was thickened and contained two cystic lesions (6.3 × 5.6 × 4 cm³ and 3.5 × 4.6 × 5.5 cm³). During the laparotomy, lesions were opened with de-roofing of superabundant tissue, and omentalization was performed. The dog recovered uneventfully after surgery and was discharged on postoperative day 12. Histopathologically, it was diagnosed as chronic pancreatic pseudocyst. This case report describes the diagnosis and successful omentalization of pancreatic pseudocysts in a dog.

Treatment of hemorrhagic hepatic cysts with omentalization in a serval.

A 2 year old, spayed female African serval was evaluated for a history of abdominal distention. Physical examination findings were consistent with cranial abdominal masses and anemia. Abdominal imaging revealed soft tissue opacity masses in the cranial abdomen and hypoechoic cysts arising from the liver parenchyma. Conservative management failed to improve clinical signs, and a midline exploratory laparotomy was performed. Three large hemorrhagic cysts were visualized occupying a significant amount of the liver parenchyma. The cysts were drained, omentalized and partially closed with a surgical stapler and suture. Histopatological evaluation of the resected tissue was consistent with a chronic hepatic hematoma. The patient recovered well and was discharged 3 days postoperatively. Two years later, the patient was readmitted with the same clinical signs and large multiple hepatic cysts involving most of the liver lobes. These were surgically omentalized similarly to the previous surgery and the patient recovered well postoperatively. Two years later, return to normal life and no recurrence of the cysts was reported.

Retalho de omento maior para indução de vascularização e consolidação óssea em cão / Use of omental flap to induce vascularization and bone healing in a dog

Este trabalho relata o caso de uma cadela da raça whippet, de 10 anos, com união retardada de tíbia e fíbula esquerdas, exposta, cotaminada e com grande perda de massa muscular e óssea e de pele causada por instabilidade óssea decorrente de duas intervenções cirúrgicas realizadas anteriormente. Foi realizado retalho de omento maior em camada simples, alcance ao foco de fratura via túnel subcutâneo e recobrimento por enxerto cutâneo em malha. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a capacidade de indução vascular do omento maior para foco de fratura e consequentemente consolidação óssea, tendo como hipótese a acentuada função de angiogênese do omento maior. A tíbia e fíbula esquerdas foram estabilizadas com fixador circular externo. Após 80 dias, houve consolidação óssea da tíbia, volta do apoio do membro e retirada do implante.

This research reports the case of a whippet female dog, 10 years old, with delayed union of left tibia and fibula, exposure of the fracture focus with localized infection, and extensive loss of, muscle, bone and skin after instability caused by two surgical interventions accomplished previously. A flap was made of the greater omentum in a single layer. The fracture site was reached through the subcutaneous tunnel and the coating by mesh skin grafts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of the larger omentum to induce angiogenesis to the fracture site and the subsequent bone healing, considering the strong role of angiogenesis. The left tibia and fibula were stabilized with external circular fixator. After 80 days there was bone healing of the tibia around the support member and removal of the implant. Postoperative complications included partial necrosis of the cutaneous (25 percent) flap and shortening of the tibia with consequent laxity ligament of the member.

Extensão máxima de retalho pediculado de omento maior através de túnel subcutâneo para ossos longos em cães / Maximum length of greater omentum pedicle flap through subcutaneous tunnel for long bones in dogs

Há tempo sabe-se que o omento humano pode promover atividade angiogênica em estruturas adjacentes nas quais ele é aplicado. Na medicina veterinária, são poucas as pesquisas com retalho pediculado de omento maior como indutor angiogênico e imunogênico, porém suas propriedades de adesão e drenagem são bem conhecidas. Os objetivos deste estudo foram criar um retalho pediculado de omento maior, mensurar seu comprimento durante as etapas de criação e avaliar a possibilidade de alcance para ossos longos (fêmur, tíbia, úmero, rádio e ulna) através de túnel subcutâneo, visando a utilizá-lo futuramente como indutor angiogênico em focos de fratura, para aceleração da osteogênese e controle de infecções ósseas. Foram utilizados 30 cadáveres frescos de cães de todas as raças, com exceção dos condrodistróficos. Os resultados foram conclusivos e confirmaram a possibilidade de alcance do retalho de omento para ossos longos de cadáveres de cães em que todos os retalhos alcançaram a metáfise distal dos ossos avaliados. A média de comprimento do omento, em camada dupla, dos 30 animais avaliados foi de 30,87cm; da camada simples foi de 54,37cm e do retalho em L foi de 92,7cm. Com a extensão máxima do omento, foi possível alcançar as metáfises distais de todos os ossos propostos, com comprimento médio excedente de 29,87cm para fêmur, 20,73cm para tíbia/fíbula, 25,13cm para úmero e 16,27cm para rádio/ulna. As variáveis peso e retalho em L avaliadas estatisticamente de cada indivíduo apresentaram correlação positiva moderada. Concluiu-se que, em cadáveres de cães, é possível levar o retalho pediculado de omento maior através de túnel subcutâneo para metáfise distal de ossos longos e que, quanto maior o peso do animal, maior o comprimento do retalho em L.

It's known for long time hat the human omento can promote angiogenic activity in adjacent structures in which it is applied. In veterinary medicine, there is little research with greater omentum flap as angiogenic and immunogenic inductor, however, their adhesion properties and drainage are well known. This study wondered whether if the greater omentum can be used as angiogenic inductor in bone fractures, and therefore increase osteogenenic rates and decreasing bone infection. Initially it was designed an experimental study which aimed to obtain a greater omentum pedicle flap and conduct it so long as possible through a subcutaneous defect in order to reach long bones (femur, tibia, humerus, radius/ulna). For the experiment it was used 30 dogs cadavers of all breeds, except condrosdistrophics breeds. The results were conclusive and confirmed the possibility of reaching the omentum flap for long bones. All the animals had reached the distal half of the evaluated bones. Results were satisfactorily accomplished and in 100 percent of the cases the flap reached the distal half of the evaluated bones. The averages of the different flap length were: 30.87cm when double layer was used; 54.37cm in simple layer; and 92.7cm when the flap was built in L. The maximum length of the omentum has secured the possibility of reaching the distal metaphases of all the bones studied. The average length exceeded 29.87cm to femur, 20.73cm to tibia/fibula, 25.13cm to humerus, and 16.27cm to radius/ulna. The flap length variety statistically evaluated showed moderate positive correlation on the presented individuals. It was concluded that the omentum pedicle flap can be taken through the subcutaneous defect until the distal metaphase of the long bones of dogs cadavers without tension. Animals with high corporal weight have the biggest L flap length.