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The Omentum: Anatomical, Metabolic, and Surgical Aspects

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery

Abstract

Introduction

The omentum is acknowledged to have diverse functions in the pathophysiology of intra-abdominal disease. Its angiogenic properties act as a natural defense mechanism in peritonitis and intra-abdominal sepsis. With advancing technology the omentum is revealing itself as a new player in the field of molecular surgery with special reference to cancer, obesity and tissue reconstruction.

Materials and methods

This article reviews the existing and potential surgical applications of the omentum.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Clinical Outcomes, Research and Education (iCore), St Vincent’s Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland

    Danielle Collins, Aisling M. Hogan & Des C. Winter

  2. Department of Endocrinology, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland

    Donal O’Shea

  3. Department of Surgery, St Vincent’s Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland

    Danielle Collins

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  1. Danielle Collins
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  2. Aisling M. Hogan
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Correspondence to Danielle Collins.

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Collins, D., Hogan, A.M., O’Shea, D. et al. The Omentum: Anatomical, Metabolic, and Surgical Aspects. J Gastrointest Surg 13, 1138–1146 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11605-009-0855-1

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