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Official Description

Free omental flap with microvascular anastomosis

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A free omental flap is a surgical procedure that utilizes a portion of the greater omentum, which is a fold of peritoneum extending from the stomach and covering the intestines, to repair various types of defects in the body. The greater omentum is characterized by its unique vascular anatomy, featuring a dual blood supply that enhances its viability for reconstructive purposes. This flap consists of a rich network of blood vessels, adipose tissue, connective tissue, and immune cells, making it particularly effective for complex reconstructive surgeries. It is commonly employed in procedures aimed at repairing three-dimensional defects, such as those found in craniofacial and skull base reconstructions, as well as in scalp and head and neck repairs that may arise from tumor excisions, burns, hemifacial atrophy, or osteonecrosis due to radiation therapy. The procedure involves meticulous dissection and mobilization of the omentum, ensuring that the vascular supply is preserved for successful microvascular anastomosis, which is critical for the flap's survival and functionality in the recipient site.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The free omental flap procedure is indicated for a variety of complex reconstructive needs, particularly in the following scenarios:

  • Craniofacial Reconstruction Repair of defects in the craniofacial region, which may arise from congenital anomalies, trauma, or tumor resections.
  • Skull Base Reconstruction Addressing defects at the base of the skull, often necessitated by surgical interventions for tumors or traumatic injuries.
  • Scalp Reconstruction Restoration of the scalp following excision of tumors, traumatic injuries, or burns that compromise the integrity of the scalp.
  • Head and Neck Repairs Reconstruction of defects in the head and neck area resulting from tumor removal, burns, or other pathological conditions.
  • Hemifacial Atrophy Treatment of conditions leading to asymmetry or atrophy of one side of the face, often requiring tissue augmentation.
  • Osteonecrosis Following Radiation Management of tissue loss or necrosis in the head and neck region due to radiation therapy, necessitating reconstructive intervention.

2. Procedure

The procedure for harvesting a free omental flap involves several critical steps to ensure the successful transfer of the flap to the recipient site. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Mobilization of the Omentum The surgeon begins by mobilizing the omentum, carefully dissecting and releasing any adhesions that may be present. This step is crucial to ensure that the omentum can be adequately accessed and harvested without compromising its vascular supply.
  • Step 2: Release of Transverse Colon Attachments The attachments of the transverse colon are released to facilitate the mobilization of the omentum. This step allows for better access to the gastroepiploic vessels, which are essential for the subsequent microvascular anastomosis.
  • Step 3: Evaluation of Vasculature The vascular supply, particularly the gastroepiploic vessels, is evaluated to ensure they are suitable for anastomosis. This assessment is critical for the viability of the flap once it is transferred to the recipient site.
  • Step 4: Mobilization of Gastroepiploic Vessels The right gastroepiploic artery and vein are sharply mobilized and separated from the stomach. These vessels are typically the primary vessels used for microvascular anastomosis.
  • Step 5: Division of the Omental Flap The omentum is divided near the short gastric vessels and the left crus of the diaphragm, ensuring that the vascular supply remains intact for the flap.
  • Step 6: Ligation and Division of Vessels Once the omental flap is dissected free, the gastroepiploic vessels are ligated using clips and then sharply divided. This step is essential for preparing the flap for transfer.
  • Step 7: Removal of the Flap The omental flap is then removed through the vertical midline port site, ensuring that a wound protector is placed to minimize the risk of contamination.
  • Step 8: Transfer to Recipient Site The omentum is passed to the reconstructive surgeon, who will perform the microvascular anastomosis with the recipient vessels at the defect site.
  • Step 9: Inspection and Closure After the flap has been successfully transferred, the abdomen is inspected for hemostasis. The ports are removed, and the incisions are closed in a standard fashion to complete the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following a free omental flap surgery involves monitoring for complications such as flap viability, infection, and hemostasis. Patients are typically observed for signs of adequate blood flow to the flap, which may include monitoring color, temperature, and capillary refill. Pain management is also an essential aspect of post-operative care. Patients may require follow-up visits to assess the healing process and the success of the flap integration at the recipient site. Standard post-operative care protocols, including wound care and activity restrictions, should be followed to promote optimal recovery.

Short Descr FREE OMENTAL FLAP MICROVASC
Medium Descr FREE OMENTAL FLAP W/MICROVASCULAR ANAST
Long Descr Free omental flap with microvascular anastomosis
Status Code Carriers Price the Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 99 - Other OR gastrointestinal therapeutic procedures
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
1997-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1997.
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