Free omental graft without vascular microanastomosis in the cutaneous wound healing of rabbits

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the influence of free omental graft without vascular microanastomosis (FOGWVA) on experimental skin healing in rabbits. Through celiotomy, a 9cm2 free omental fragment was collected in 36 rabbits, with subsequent production of a deep linear cutaneous wound in the dorsal midline measuring 3cm. In 18 animals from the omental group (OG), the omental fragment collected was fixed subcutaneously with six simple interrupted stitches using a 4-0 polyamide thread. In both treated and control (CG) groups, intradermal dermorrhaphy was performed with 4-0 polyamide thread. Experimental wounds were clinically evaluated every day. Each of the groups was divided into three subgroups of 6 animals each for histopathological evaluation on the 7th, 14th, and 28th days of postoperative. In the OG wounds, the increase in volume (omentum activation) stood out after the second postoperative day. Macroscopy showed an organic reaction to the graft on day 7, with a progressive reduction in addition to neovascularization towards the omental graft. The intense presence of mononuclear cells and collagen deposition on day 7 demonstrated an accelerated process of tissue remodeling and repair. The FOGWVA omental graft remained viable and positively influenced the cutaneous healing of the experimental wounds in rabbits.

Comparison Between Omental and Hypericum Perforatum Extracts on Healing of Full Thickness Excisional Skin Wounds in Rabbits

“…The omentum is a large mesh-like adipose tissue in the abdominal cavity that contains secondary lymphoid organs called milky spots [12]. Fernandes et al [13] reported that the free omental graft has a positive effect on the healing process of cutaneous wounds that induced experimentally in rabbits. Litbarg et al [14] propose that an omentum is rich in growth factors that accelerate the process of healing and regeneration of injured tissue.…”