Background: Omental infarction (OI) is a rare postoperative complication of minimally invasive surgery
(MIS) that can mimic an abscess or malignancy. Recognition of OI is essential to avoid unnecessary
laparotomy.
Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search (1980–2025) of PubMed, Embase, and
Scopus identified studies reporting OI after MIS (laparoscopic or robotic). Both adult and pediatric
populations were included. Data were synthesized descriptively, emphasizing risk factors, imaging,
management, and outcomes.
Results: Twenty-two studies (58 patients) were included: 14 case reports, 6 case series, and 2 retrospective
radiology reviews. Surgeries included colorectal resections, gastrectomies (partial omentectomy),
bariatric procedures, laparoscopic hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, and appendectomies.
Demographics: 52 adults (89.6%) and 6 pediatric cases (10.4%).
Timing: Median 10 days post-op (range 3 days–12 weeks).
Risk factors: Obesity (68%), vascular ligation during partial omentectomy (14%), adhesions/
torsion (11%), inflammatory disease or hypercoagulable states (7%).
Management: 70% managed conservatively; 30% required laparoscopic omentectomy.
Outcomes: All patients recovered; surgical cases resolved faster symptomatically.
Conclusions: OI is uncommon but clinically important after MIS. CT is diagnostic; conservative
management is effective for most cases. Awareness of risk factors, especially obesity and vascular
ligation, enables prompt recognition and tailored treatment.
