Objective To evaluate the outcome of pedicle graft of greater omentum and polypropylene mesh in reconstruction of large defect of abdominal wall caused by surgical incision. Methods From 1994 to 2004, 12 cases of large abdominal wall defects were repaired with pedicle graft of greater omentum and polypropylene mesh after removal of abdominal wall tumor; the defect sizes of abdominal wall ranged from 10 cm×7 cm to 25 cm×17 cm. Results The abdominal wall wound in 12 cases were healed by first intention. After a follow-up of 1 to 5 years, no complications of abdominal hernia, infection and intestine obstruction occurred in all patients. Conclusion It is reliable to repair abdominal wall defect caused by surgical incision with pedicle graft of greater omentum and polypropylene mesh instead of peritoneum.
Greater omentum was chosen to treat chronic osteomyelitis in 12 cases. The involved bones included cranium in 5, tibia and fibula in 4 and metatarsus in 3. After thorough debridement, all patients had partial defects of bone, skin and soft tissue. The defect was filled with vascularized autogenous greater omentum by anastomosing with the host vessels. Theskin defect was covered with medium-thickness skin graft. After 3～9 years follw-up, no recurrence of osteomyelitis and no abdominal symptoms were observed in 11 cases. The osteomyelitis recurred in 1 case at 4 months after operation and died of squamous carcinoma 1 year later. It was suggested that transfer of vascularizedautogenous greater omentum was valuable in treating chronic osteomyelitis.