Vascularized Omentum Lymphatic Transplantation as a Treatment for Chronic Inguinal Ulceration and Lymphedema

After tumor resection, lymphadenectomy, and radiotherapy, recurrent lymphatic fluid leakage and infection can occur in the inguinal region, contributing to severe localized tissue fibrosis. When wounds form in this region, they tend to heal slowly over extended periods, and no optimal approach for treating these complex wounds has yet been established.

Groin wound debridement and dissection of the vessels in the wound recipient site were performed by the burn surgeon. A general surgeon performed the laparoscopic partial omentum excision. One portion of the omentum was used to fill the large inguinal space, whereas the other portion was laid flat on the wound sites in the groin and anterior perineum to facilitate the restoration of appropriate lymphatic fluid reflux. The vessels of the omentum were microsurgically anastomosed with the vessels in the recipient site. Thin split-thickness slices of skin were then taken from this donor site based on the size of the wound.

After the successful establishment of revascularization between the flap and recipient sites, lymphatic fluid leakage was not observed in this patient. No inguinal wounding or lymphatic exudate were evident in the patient during follow-up, and significant improvements in lymphedema of the lower extremities were evident.

In this article, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of vascularized omentum lymphatic transplantation. Overall, this procedure represents a promising new approach for the treatment of refractory wounds caused by lymphatic fistulas.