Remodelling of the superficial vascular network of skin flaps in rats, following a vasodilatory cream application

Abstract

Objectives The experimental study aims to demonstrate the output of a vasodilator agent application on skin prior and after a skin flap elevation and the possibility of the improvement of the flap survival rate Materials and methods The study was consisted of two groups and 28 rats were used. The experimental group concerned 28 right abdominal skin flaps that 10 days pre-surgically received iloprost cream (a prostaglandin PGI2 analogue) and 4 sub-groups of 7 each one post surgically received 2.5,5,10,20 μgr/gr of iloprost, respectively. The control group concerned 28 right abdominal skin flaps that pre surgically received white petrolatum (placebo). Laser Doppler flowmetry and dynamic analysis of circulation (radioisotope 99m Tc) were used to evaluate the flaps survival. Results The study led to highly comparable results between the study and the control group, as it turned out that the study group showed a mean value of 84.52 (47.70) PU while the control group’s result was 38.06 (14.78), respectively (laser Doppler flowmetry). Statistically insignificant was the results for the 4 sub-groups of the study group. The dynamic analysis of circulation revealed hyperaemia for the iloprost applied skin flaps. Pathological examination did not show any inflammation on study group but some vacuum cells probably related to cream phagocytosis. Conclusion The application of iloprost on skin 10 days before flap elevation plainly leads to higher rates of flap survival rates.