Applied anatomy of the greater omentum in transplantation

Objective To observe the shape, size, position and vessels of greater omentum. To explore the design of greater omentum and clarify its clinical significance. Methods Three fresh and 12 formalin-fixed cadaveres were dissected. All of them had no damage nor injury. 1. Macro-micro-dissection: The shape, size and position of greater omentum were observed. The vessels of the greater omentum were studied.2. Lead oxide-gelatin injection technique and three-dimensional reconstruction.Results The length of greater omentum was(24.7±6.9)cm,the width was(28.3+2.8)cm. It could be divided into 3 types: thin type,middle type and thick type, the occurrence rate was 33.3％, 46.7％ and 20.0％ respectively. The blood supply of greater omentum mainly came from the gastroepiploic arch composed of the left gastroepiploic artery and the right gastroepiploic artery. There were 4 main arteries of the greater omentum: ①The right epiploic artery: The external diameter at origination was (1.0±0.4)mm. ② The middle epiploic artery: The external diameter at origination was(0.7 + 0.3)mm. ③The left epiploic artery:The external diameter at origination was (1.2±0.4)mm. ④ The accessary epiploic artery: The external diameter at origination was (0.5 ± 0.1)mm.Conclusion According to the characteristic of the anterior arch and posterior arch, the position of the middle epiploic artery divarication and the method of spread, the greater omentum is divided into 5 types. It should be according to the characteristic, when the greater omentum is designed and clipped. Key words: Greater omentum;  Transplantation;  Three-dimensional reconstruction;  Microanatomy