The beneficial effects of subcutaneous injection on random flap survival in rats.

Abstract

Random flaps are frequently used in the practice of reconstructive surgery. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the effects of on random flap survival in rats. Fourteen Wistar rats were used for this experimental study. The subjects were divided into experiment and control groups. Rats in the experiment group received daily injections of extract for 7 d before the elevation of the flaps. Following the treatment period, elevation and reinsertion of the dorsal flaps were performed. Necrotic and total flaps areas were marked and calculated 7 d after the flap elevation. Histological examinations and microangiography were performed to evaluate the results. The mean value of the proportion of necrotic flap areas to the total flap area was 25.06 and 50.6% in the and control group, respectively ( = .0079). In the histological examination, number of vessels identified in the dermis were 23.75 ± 0.7 and 33.75 ± 9 in the and control group, respectively ( = .7457). In angiographic images, vessels formations were more noticeable in the group. We conclude that preoperative subcutaneous injection increases dorsal flap survival in rats.