[Morphology and vascularization of the greater omentum]

The aim of the study was the analysis of the greater omentum morphology and vascularization and the presentation of new, own classification of omentum by the type of vascularization and to the criterion of the possibility for simpler preparation and lengthening of omental flap. Prospective clinical study included the first 100 operated in whom omental graft was formed for omentomyelopexy. In 10% of all cases, the omenta deviated from the common pattern and size (they were extremely small in 6%). Omenta were classified by the vascularization type into: omental type I (had either complete gastroepiploic arcade or/and Haller-Barcow's arcade or/and a. omentalis propria) and there were 54%; type II (had none of those arteries) was presented in 42%; omental type III (unordinary, bizarre vascularization forms) was presented in 4%. Every omental type was divided into subtypes. In 41% of cases, the omental flap needed to be lengthen to achieve the level of spinal lesion, and the need of omental flap lengthening depended significantly on the omental type. This classification provides fast orientation and expeditious forming of omental flap in all its modalities.