Effect of topical nitroglycerine on the survival of ischemic flow-through venous flaps in rabbits

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of transdermal nitroglycerin on the survival of an ischemic one-vein flow-through venous flap (FTVF) model in the rabbit ear. Fifteen New Zealand white male rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1 (n = 5, 10 flaps)- no dressing on the operative wound; Group 2 (n = 5, 10 flaps)-occlusive film dressing group [polyurethane semipermeable membrane (Op-Site)]; and Group 3 (n = 5, 10 flaps)- transdermal nitroglycerine pad (Novartis-Nitroderm TTS 5 mg) on the wound. Nitroderm TTS and the occlusive film dressing were changed daily postoperatively for 3 days. The percentage of the surviving area and the mean extent of the surviving area to the axial vein were calculated on the postoperative 14 (th) day. Necrotic and surviving areas of flaps were consistent with histopathologic findings. Group 3 (83 percent +/-10.46, 17.4 +/- 3.0 mm) had larger flap surviving areas and longer distances to the axial vein than Group 1 (60 percent +/-15.29, 11.8 +/- 4.3 mm) and Group 2 (58 percent +/-10.25, 12.8 +/- 2.8 mm). The difference was statistically significant ( p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that postoperatively applied transdermal nitroglycerine significantly increased the ischemic FTVF survival area and the survival width to the axial vein.