Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41283265›Full record

SynthesisMedical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)2025

Robotic Omental Flap Harvest for Complex Thoracic Defects: Case Series and Review of the Literature.

Susana Fortich, Camila Franco-Mesa, Jennifer Den, Gabriel De La Cruz Ku, Gal Levy, Roman Petrov

Abstract readSystematic ReviewCase Reports
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Review
  2. Review
  3. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Susana FortichDepartment of General Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
Camila Franco-MesaDepartment of General Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.ORCID 0000-0001-6125-6825
Jennifer DenDepartment of General Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
Gabriel De La Cruz KuDepartment of General Surgery, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.ORCID 0000-0003-4203-3890
Gal LevyDivision of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Howard University, Washington, DC 20060, USA.
Roman PetrovDivision of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.ORCID 0000-0001-8730-2930

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveThe omentum is a highly vascularized and immunologically active tissue with significant regenerative potential. Despite its versatility, its use has traditionally been limited to intra-abdominal applications due to access challenges. Conventional open harvest requires laparotomy, and laparoscopic techniques are hindered by limited visualization and poor ergonomics. We describe the use of robotic-assisted omental flap harvest for thoracic reconstruction, offering a minimally invasive alternative.

methodsA retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent robotic omental flap harvest for intrathoracic reconstruction at a single-center institution between January 2023 and January 2024. Data collected included demographics, indications, surgical technique, operative details, and postoperative outcomes, with a focus on flap viability and complications. Additionally, a systematic review was conducted to evaluate current evidence and experiences with this type of technique.

resultsThree patients underwent robotic omental flap harvest for indications including chest wall reconstruction and pleural space obliteration in infected thoracic cavities. The average robotic flap harvest time was 79 ± 13 min, with an estimated ± blood loss of 20 cc. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 10 days, influenced by the primary procedure and patient comorbidities. At an average follow-up of 8 months, all flaps remained viable, with no flap-related complications or losses. The systematic review demonstrated limited data in the current literature regarding this type of surgical approach.

conclusionsRobotic-assisted omental flap harvest is a safe, feasible, and effective technique for complex thoracic reconstructions. It provides a minimally invasive alternative to traditional harvest methods, with reduced morbidity and excellent clinical outcomes. This technique expands the reconstructive options for intrathoracic defects and infections.

Indexed as

OmentumPlastic Surgery ProceduresRobotic Surgical ProceduresSurgical FlapsTissue and Organ HarvestingFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedRetrospective Studieschest wall reconstructionrobotic omental flaprobotic surgery

Identifiers

PMID41283265
PMCPMC12641811

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.