Abdominal fat tissue necrosis as a cause of acute abdominal pain

Abstract

Background: Infarctions of the greater omentum and of the epiploic appendages are rare etiologies of acute abdominal pain. The aims of the study were to determine the incidence of abdominal fat tissue necroses and to discuss the clinical features and the role of laparoscopy in the treatment of these conditions.

Methods: A retrospective study in 563 consecutive patients with acute abdominal pain was performed. In all patients diagnostic laparoscopy was indicated.

Results: The incidence of abdominal fat tissue necroses in 563 patients with acute abdominal pain was 1.1%. Six patients had either infarctions of the omentum or of the epiploic appendages. Pain was the predominant clinical symptom and the preoperative diagnosis depended upon the location of the omental or epiploic necroses. Diagnosis and treatment were performed laparoscopically without morbidity.

Conclusion: The incidence of abdominal fat tissue necroses in our patients was increased compared to the prelaparoscopic period. Omental and epiploic necroses are significant in the differential diagnosis of appendicitis, acute cholecystitis, and diverticulitis.