Anatomy and Functional Anatomy.- 1 Anatomical Definitions, Composition, and Configuration.- 2 Topographical Relations.- 2.1 Relations in Man.- 2.2 Relations in Animals.- 3 Development and Appearance.- 3.1 Embryological Development.- 3.2 Structural Peculiarities in Childhood.- 3.3 Omentum in the Adult.- 4 Structures.- 4.1 Stroma.- 4.2 Tissue Constituents.- 4.3 Vessels and Innervation.- 4.4 Mesothelial Lining.- 4.5 Milky Spots (Lymphoreticular Organ).- References.- Physiology and Functions.- 5 Distinctive Peculiarities of Omental Tissue.- 5.1 Movement.- 5.2 Adhesiveness and Cohesiveness.- 5.3 Hemostasis.- 5.4 Ability to Encapsulate.- 5.5 Capillary Ingrowth.- 5.6 Absorption from the Peritoneal Cavity.- 5.7 Capillary Fluid Exchange in the Omentum : Physiology and Pathophysiology.- 5.8 Omental Fluid Transport and Dialysis.- 5.9 Defense Mechanisms.- 5.9.1 Phagocytosis and Foreign Body Reaction.- 5.9.2 Immunological Concepts.- 5.10 Matrix for Tissue Grafts.- 5.10.1 Autotransplantations of Splenic Tissue.- 5.10.2 Tumor Implants in Experiments.- References.- Clinical Aspects.- 6 Clinical Signs and Methods of Assessment.- 6.1 Examination and Investigation.- 6.2 Radiographic Manifestation.- 6.3 Ultrasonography and Computed Tomography.- 6.4 Endoscopic Procedures.- 6.5 Laparotomy.- References.- Pathological Conditions, Specific Investigations, and Therapy.- 7 Diseases of the Omentum.- 7.1 Congenital Abnormalities and Pediatric Diseases.- 7.2 Injuries of the Omentum.- 7.3 Hernias.- 7.4 Adhesions.- 7.5 Omentitis, Inflammatory Reactions, and Parasites.- 7.6 Torsion and Infarction.- 7.7 Tumors.- 7.7.1 Pathology.- 7.7.1.1 Benign Tumors.- 7.7.1.2 Cysts.- 7.7.1.3 Malignant Primary Tumors.- 7.7.1.4 Tumor Metastases.- 7.7.2 Symptoms, Signs, Clinical Diagnosis and Therapy.- 7.7.2.1 Benign Tumors.- 7.7.2.2 Cysts.- 7.7.2.3 Malignant Primary Tumors.- 7.7.2.4 Tumor Deposits.- 7.8 Rare Tumor-like Changes.- References.- Experimental Basis for Reconstructive Surgery Using the Omentum.- 8 Experiments of Clinical Value.- 8.1 Vascular Ingrowth and Graft Incorporation.- 8.2 Revascularization and Drainage.- 8.2.1 Revascularization and Edema Absorption of the Brain and Spinal Cord.- 8.2.2 Revascularization (Ischemic Heart and Ureter).- 8.2.3 Drainage (Hydrocephalus).- 8.3 Protection.- 8.3.1 Coverage of Defects.- 8.4 Reconstruction.- 8.4.1 Antral Patch Esophagoplasty Using an Intact Omental Pedicle.- 8.4.2 Rectal Valve Substitution Using the Intact Pyloric Valve Based on an Omental Pedicle.- 8.4.3 Island Skin Flaps and Island Composite Flaps Employing the Omentum.- 8.5 Body Surface Heterotransplant and Biological Dressing.- References.- Protective and Reconstructive Surgery with the Omentum in Man.- 9 Surgical Principles and Techniques.- 9.1 General Aspects.- 9.1.1 Indications and Contraindications.- 9.1.2 Assessment and Preparation for Surgery.- 9.1.3 Access to the Omentum.- 9.1.4 Repair of the Defect.- 9.1.5 Postoperative Care, Sequelae, and Followup.- 9.2 Particular Surgical Procedures.- 9.2.1 Surgical Principles and Techniques: Omentopexy, Omental Mobilization, and Transposition.- 9.2.1.1 Intra-abdominal Transposition.- Omentoportoduodenopexy for Drainage.- Omentopexy for Ascites.- Omental Cuff for Cardiopexy.- Protection of Intestinal Defects.- Urogenital Organs and Pelvic Surgery.- Urinary Tract Reconstruction.- Pelvis.- Urogenital and Intraabdominal Fistulae.- Vascular Protection in Reconstructive Arterial Surgery.- 9.2.1.2 Extra-abdominal Transposition.- Intrathoracic Transposition.- Transposition to the Cranium and Extremities 278 Lymphatic Relief.- 9.2.1.3 Exteriorized Transposition.- Chest, Neck, and Axilla.- Abdominal Wall.- Extremities.- Histopathology of the Exteriorized Omentum.- 9.2.2 Free Omental Transfer with Microvascular Anastomosis.- 9.2.3 Free Omental Grafts.- 9.3 Limitations of Omental Transposition and Transfer.- Color Plate of Chapter 9.- References.- Historical Review.- 10 History.- 10.1 Historical Glance at the Terminology.- 10.2 Historical Survey.- 10.2.1 The Classical Period and Ideas of Anatomy, Function, and Surgery.- 10.2.2 Tradition in the Middle Ages.- 10.2.3 Observation and Experience in the Renaissance.- 10.2.4 Modern Trends.- 10.2.5 The Scientific Age.- 10.3 Plastic Surgery.- References.