Omentum pediculed musculo-peritoneal flap (OPMP) for growing intestinal neomucosa in a rat model

Swiss Med Wkly. 2003 Jul 12;133(27-28):392-7. doi: 10.4414/smw.2003.10207.

Abstract

Background/purpose: To construct a musculo-peritoneal flap adequately vascularised through attached omentum and to evaluate whether this flap is functional for growing new intestinal mucosa.

Methods: 24 rats underwent two surgical procedures. 1) A musculo-peritoneal flap was prepared, omentum was fixed onto the muscular side and a silicon graft was placed on the peritoneal side. 2) After one month the so constructed OPMP flap was mobilised and attached to the jejunum. Animals were harvested at 2, 4 and 8 months for macroscopic and microscopic evaluation.

Results: One rat died at 7 months due to intestinal volvulus. In the remainder the circumference of the patched intestine significantly increased compared to that of normal intestine (p<0.001). The flaps were markedly contracted in the 4 month rats (p<0.01). All flaps were completely covered by neomucosa except in the 2 month rats. Crypt depth and crypt density of the neomucosa was significantly lower in 2 month rats compared to other groups (p<0.05). Similarly neomucosal villous height was markedly low in the 2 month rats (p<0.01).

Conclusions: To date, we have found no reports of small bowel patching using this technique. In this context, use of OPMP flap is likely to be useful for increasing intestinal surface area.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Intestinal Mucosa / physiology*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / transplantation*
  • Intestines / surgery
  • Models, Animal
  • Omentum*
  • Peritoneum / physiology
  • Peritoneum / transplantation*
  • Rats
  • Surgical Flaps*