omental biopsy
Pronunciation: oh-MEN-tal
Surgical sampling of the omentum performed during gynecologic cancer staging to detect metastatic disease.
Full Definition
Omental biopsy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of tissue samples from the omentum (a fold of peritoneum that hangs from the stomach and covers the intestines) for histopathological examination. In gynecologic oncology, omental biopsy is a standard component of surgical staging for ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancers. The procedure may involve infracolic omentectomy (removal of the omentum below the transverse colon) or simple omental sampling if the omentum appears grossly normal. Even when the omentum appears normal, microscopic metastases may be present, making this procedure crucial for accurate staging and treatment planning.
Usage
Usage note: Specify extent (sampling vs. complete omentectomy); part of staging protocol for gynecologic cancers.
In Context
- "Infracolic omentectomy was performed as part of comprehensive surgical staging for ovarian cancer." — oncologic procedure
- "Omental biopsy revealed microscopic metastases despite grossly normal appearance." — pathology findings