Abstract
Random flap transplantation is widely used to repair and rebuild skin soft tissue. However, such flaps exhibit poor survival. Plastic surgeons seek to improve flap survival. We explored whether oxytocin improved skin flap survival. Overlength random skin flaps (9 × 3 cm) were established on backs of 80 healthy male SD rats randomly divided into two groups. One group was injected daily with oxytocin (1 mg/kg; test group) and the other with normal saline (control group). On postoperative day 2, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured. On postoperative day 7, the flap survival area was measured using transparent graph paper. Microvessel numbers were evaluated histologically by hematoxylin and eosin staining. VEGF expression was assessed immunohistochemically. Angiogenesis was evaluated via lead oxide–gelatin angiography and blood flow via laser Doppler flowmetry. In the test group compared with the control group, the flap survival rate and SOD activity were increased markedly, the MDA level was decreased, and according to hematoxylin and eosin staining, inflammation was significantly attenuated. In addition, the test group exhibited higher levels of VEGF and skin flap angiogenesis. Oxytocin improved flap survival rate by increasing microcirculation and angiogenesis and attenuating ischemia–reperfusion injury.
Highlights
Random skin flaps are widely used in the repair of the reconstruction of several tissue defects and local tissue loss attributable to trauma, congenital disorders, cancer, excisions, and other causes [1]
In the test group compared with the control group, the flap survival rate and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were increased markedly, the MDA level was decreased, and according to hematoxylin and eosin staining, inflammation was significantly attenuated
If the length-to-width ratio is not constrained, a certain proportion of the flap is prone to ischemic necrosis, and random skin flap transplantation is associated with a 10–20% failure rate [3]
Summary
Random skin flaps are widely used in the repair of the reconstruction of several tissue defects and local tissue loss attributable to trauma, congenital disorders, cancer, excisions, and other causes [1]. Flap design and the surgical techniques used have improved, the flap length-to-width ratio usually cannot exceed 1.5–2, limiting the clinical applications [2]. The ratio can be as high as 3 in local blood-rich areas such as the face. If the length-to-width ratio is not constrained, a certain proportion of the flap is prone to ischemic necrosis, and random skin flap transplantation is associated with a 10–20% failure rate [3]. Ischemia is associated with inadequate blood flow and disturbed venous drainage [5,6,7]. The principal strategies promoting skin flap survival are inhibition of ischemia–reperfusion injury, acceleration of angiogenesis, and alleviation of tissue edema [2, 8, 9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
