Use of pedicled greater omental flap to repair a thoraco-abdominal defect after extensive tumor resection

Resection of longstanding chest or abdominal wall malignancies can create extensive defects. Pedicled or free myocutaneous flaps [3–6, 8, 9, 12, 14–17] are often the choice for reconstruction. The omental flap, however, is a valid alternative [1, 2, 8, 19, 22]. A case is reported in which the omental flap was used to cover the defect resulting from the resection of an extensive basal cell carcinoma of the lateral thorax and abdominal wall. Fibrosis and calcification of the omentum lead to a stable abdominal wall without the use of synthetic mesh [20, 23].