Initially alloperfused autograft: an experimental study with rat groin free flap

The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the effects of alloperfusion on autografts. The authors designed an experimental model to study flap viability during and after alloperfusion. They performed 23 free groin flap transfers on 46 rats. The flap was transferred as an autograft; however, the anastomosis was performed as an allograft procedure. After the operation, animals were held together on a table for observation. The rats were randomly divided into two groups depending on whether or not a steroid was given. They were fed by hand. At the end of the various waiting periods, the pedicles were divided, and animals were separated from each other. The survival of the flap and the animal was observed. No flaps survived in the untreated group. Seven flaps in the steroid-treated group that had their connections cut before 140 hours also did not survive. Five flaps that had their pedicles cut after 140 hours survived. Results are presented and discussed.