Omental reinforcement of intestinal anastomoses an experimental study in the rabbit

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Abstract
A series of end-to-end everting colonic anastomoses were performed in 95 rabbits in order to assess the value of omental reinforcement. The animals were divided into three groups: (a) control animals, (b) animals with anastomoses reinforced by a free omental graft, and (c) animals with anastomoses reinforced by an omental pedicle. Reinforcement with a free omental graft carried a prohibitive increase in mortality. The use of an omental pedicle appeared to strengthen the anastomosis against forced disruption in the immediate postoperative period but it did not improve the survival rates and it may carry long-term dangers. The explanation for these findings is discussed. It is our view that there is no place for omental reinforcement in colonic surgery.

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