The Right Gastroepiploic Artery: Anatomical Study on 100 Cadaveric Dissections

International audience; AbstractThe gastroepiploic artery (GEA) with the greater omentum is known for its high quality as a vascular graft and its resistance to infection when used to perform bypass, free-flap or flow-through flap.Many authors have studied this anatomical unit, but a number of questions remain undiscussed.The aim of this anatomical study was to evaluate the diameter and length of the GEA graft and its omental branches and to assess the feasibility of the epiploic flow-through flap.MethodsWe performed 100 cadaveric dissections.In 70 fresh cadavers we carried out dissections of GEA and of the greater omentum. Transillumination technique was helpful to identify all branches of GEA.In the other 30 cadavers, prepared with Winkler solution, we injected barium sulfate with colored latex. After four days we harvested the artery with the omentum and a digital radiography was performed in order to report measures of lengths and internal diameters.The diameter of GEA at its origin was 2.9 mm (2.7–3.4 mm). Its length was 245 mm (230–260 mm).ConclusionThe anatomical unit based on GEA defines a relatively long arterial graft and a reliable omental flap for vascularization. Our dissection data confirm the anatomical feasibility in all cases and define the limits. This graft can be useful in patients requiring revascularization combined with coverage of tissue loss.