Abstract
To describe a new experimental flap for studying skin viability in rats. Twenty male Wistar rats weighing between 250-300g were divided into two groups: group A - McFarlane technique, a 4 x 10cm flap was used (McFarlane); and in group B modified McFarlane technique, a 3 x 10cm flap was used. Seven days later, the animals were sacrificed and the area of necrosis was evaluated in both groups. Group A presented necrosis in 3% of the total area of the flap (CI: 0.01-0.05), Group B presented necrosis in 37% of the total area of the flap (CI: 0.29-0.46), (p<0.001). The modified McFarlane flap presented a larger area of necrosis and could be an adequate experimental model of skin flap viability.
Highlights
Flaps have been used in plastic surgery since 800b.C
The estimated frequency of necrosis of skin flaps varies between 2 and 20%1,2. Bearing this fact in mind, a reproducible and effective experimental model of necrosis of skin flaps would be useful to evaluate different substances and devices that might increase the viability of flaps[3,4]
All the experiments complied with regulations on animal experimentation described by the Council for international Organization of Medical Sciences (CIOMS)
Summary
Flaps have been used in plastic surgery since 800b.C. Skin flaps are basically employed for the repair of large wound defects. The techniques of skin flaps are well established and they vary according to the location of the wound and the extension of the defect[1]. The most feared complication of a skin flap is a significant area of necrosis causing the failure of the surgical procedure. The estimated frequency of necrosis of skin flaps varies between 2 and 20%1,2. Bearing this fact in mind, a reproducible and effective experimental model of necrosis of skin flaps would be useful to evaluate different substances and devices that might increase the viability of flaps[3,4]
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