Preparation of an Omental Pedicle Flap in Cats and Dogs Through a Lateral Approach Laparotomy—A Cadaver Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The use of an omental pedicle flap as an adjuvant treatment has gained popularity in veterinary medicine due to its versatility. This technique has been successfully applied in both intra-abdominal and extra-abdominal surgeries in human as well as veterinary medicine. In most intra-abdominal procedures, the greater omentum can be easily accessed through a midline laparotomy and directed to the area of interest. However, dogs and cats are typically positioned in lateral recumbency for extra-abdominal surgeries involving the thorax or limbs. In such cases, a lateral approach to the greater omentum could minimize the risk of infection or trauma associated with patient repositioning. This cadaver study evaluated the feasibility of accessing the greater omentum through a lateral approach laparotomy in both left and right lateral recumbency. A total of 22 cadavers (13 cats and 9 dogs) were included. Dorsal extension of the greater omentum was successfully performed in all specimens without major structural damage. Further elongation using an inverted L-shaped pedicle flap was achieved without rupture in 17 of 22 cadavers (77.3%). The results demonstrate that lateral approach laparotomy provides reliable access to the greater omentum and allows successful mobilization of the omentum for potential extra-abdominal applications, with no significant differences observed between left and right lateral approaches. This technique may represent a useful alternative in clinical situations where repositioning the patient is not feasible or carries increased surgical risk.
Source: Animals
DOI: 10.3390/ani16091341
Language: English
Subfield: Small Animals
Field: Veterinary
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W7156686950