Primary omental infarct: conservative vs operative management in the era of ultrasound, computerized tomography, and laparoscopy

Ayodeji Nubi, Whitney McBride, Gustavo Stringel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

56 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: Primary omental infarct is a rare condition in children. The preoperative diagnosis can be accurately accomplished using ultrasound (US) and computerized tomography (CT). This study aimed to elucidate the efficacy of conservative vs operative management. Methods: Cases of omental infarction in children diagnosed preoperatively in our institution since laparoscopy became the standard of care were reviewed. Results: Ten cases of omental infarction in children were treated. There were 6 males and 4 females (age, 5-14 years). The diagnosis was made preoperatively by CT in all cases; in 2 cases, US was also diagnostic. Conservative nonoperative management was successful in 4 cases, and laparoscopic omentectomy and appendectomy done in the other 6. There was no mortality. All children recovered uneventfully. Average hospital stay was 4 days for patients treated nonoperatively. Average postoperative stay was 2 days for children treated with laparoscopy. Three patients initially treated conservatively had surgery because of intractable pain. The preoperative stay was 3 days in these patients. Conclusions: Children with omental infarct can be treated conservatively, and a short trial period is warranted. The indications for surgery are uncertain diagnosis, intractable relentless pain, and persistent peritoneal findings. Children treated with laparoscopy have a shorter length of stay and decreased use of narcotics.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)953-956
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Pediatric Surgery
Volume44
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Computed tomography
  • Laparoscopy
  • Obesity
  • Omental infarction
  • Omental torsion
  • Sonography

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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