Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
An Experimental Human DIEP Flap Model to Investigate Preservation Strategies for Vascularized Composite Allografts and Free Flaps
Published on: December 5, 2025
[Clinical study on effect of keeping perioperative normal body temperature on skin flap survival]
Hongwei Xu1, Jun Luo, Fuguo Huang
1Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, PR China. xhwzxyqq@tom.com
Objective:
To investigate the effect of perioperative body temperature on the survival of skin flap grafting.
Methods:
From July 2005 to November 2006, 50 cases of I-II grade patients undergoing elective skin flap grafting were randomly divided 2 groups. Pharyngeal temperature (PT) and skin temperature (ST) were monitored and recorded every 15 minutes. Operative time, anesthetic time, time from the end of operation to extubation, the volume of blood transfusion, the volume of fluid transfusion and the flap survival 7 days after operation were recorded. In the experimental group, the body temperature was maintained in normal range with water market and forced air heater. In the control group, the body temperature was only monitored without any treatment. Results There were no significant differences in operating room temperature, operative time, anesthetic time, the volume of blood transfusion and fluid transfusion between 2 groups (P > 0.05). After induction, PT decreased gradually in both groups during the first 45 minutes, compared with the time point of intubation (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between the 2 groups (P > 0.05); and ST rose in both groups during the first 45 minutes, compared with the time point of intubation (P < 0.05). After 45 minutes of induction, in the experimental group, PT was in the normal range (36 C), and ST didn't change compared with that of the time point of induction (P > 0.05). In the control group, both PT and ST decreased gradually and time-dependently compared with the time point of intubation (P < 0.05). In the experimental group, PT and ST at each time point were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). All the skin flap grafts survived in the experimental group, and skin flap grafts necrosed in 2 cases in the control group.
Conclusion:
Keeping normal body temperature can improve the survival of skin flap grafting. Therefore, the body temperature should be monitored and maintained in a normal range.
