Angiogenic capabilities of omentomyelopexy for injured spinal cord revascularization

Abstract

Introduction/Objective. Increasing incidence of spinal cord injuries presents a very important issue. These patients are usually very young, treatment is very tough, long, expensive and, in general, of little success rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the angiogenic potential of the omental graft in spinal cord revascularization after the injury. Methods. The study included 19 patients, who underwent recurrent surgical procedure for pain syndrome or surgical complication, and one patient in whom angiography revealed no flow in distal part of omental graft. Results. Our study confirmed angiogenic capabilities of omental graft placed in the course of omentomyelopexy for the injured spinal cord revascularization, macroscopically and histopathologically. Study results are limited due to inclusion of patients, only when the postoperative period was complicated. Conclusion. Our study provides some insight into the angiogenic capabilities. Although, further (likely less invasive) studies are needed to provide more insight into omental angiogenesis and to include patients in whom the procedure went well.