Revascularization of a free nerve graft wrapped in omentum.

The revascularization of free nerve grafts wrapped in omentum was assessed in an experimental model using rats. Revascularization of the grafts, using the original vessels, proceeded in the same way as reported in earlier studies, being in progress on the 4th day after the operation and essentially complete on the 8th day. The observations made in the experiment suggest that using omentum does not offer much of an advantage with nerve grafts transplanted to tissues with a good blood supply. Using omentum would seem indicated for grafts transplanted into cicatrized or irradiated tissues.