The omentum in malignant diseases

The technique and applications of omentoplasty are reviewed from the point of view of the surgical oncologist, with particular emphasis on the use of the omentum in gastrointestinal anastomoses, covering peritoneal defects or radical intra-abdominal operations for neoplastic disease, urological complications, breast cancer, abdominal and chest wall resections, the prevention of arterial graft erosions, and the treatment of lymphoedema and chemotherapeutic burns. Complications are discussed as well as future prospects.