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PRP&F/P MPs improved survival of dorsal paired pedicle skin flaps in rats
Megumi Takikawa1, Yuki Sumi, Masayuki Ishihara
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan.
Background:
Skin flap necrosis is a problem encountered postoperatively. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of platelet-rich plasma containing fragmin/protamine microparticles (PRP&F/P MPs) on viability in a rat dorsal paired pedicle skin (DPPS) flap.
Materials And Methods:
Two symmetrical adjoining rectangular flaps (8 × 2 cm each) were drawn on the rat dorsum. Two days after PRP&F/P MPs-, PRP-, F/P MPs-, and saline (control)-injections (n = 8 each), flaps were elevated as a random pattern flap without the lateral thoracic, posterior intercostal, and deep circumflex iliac vessels. The flaps were immediately sutured back and the flap survival area was measured 7 d after flap elevation.
Results:
The flap survival rate in PRP&F/P MPs-injected groups (73.1% ± 4.2%) was significantly higher than those in PRP (64.9% ± 4.0%), F/P MPs (59.4 ± 4.5%), and control (61.2% ± 4.2%) groups. Histologic observation of the flaps showed survived thick granulation tissue and neovascularization in PRP&F/P MPs-injected groups.
Conclusions:
When PRP&F/P MPs are administered 2 d before the flap elevation, the improved flap survivals are observed. The pre-injection of PRP&F/P MPs may thus represent a promising treatment to prevent skin flap necrosis in reconstructive surgery.
Insights
Pre-injection of platelet-rich plasma with fragmin/protamine microparticles (PRP&F/P MPs) significantly improved skin flap survival in rats. This novel treatment shows promise for preventing skin flap necrosis in reconstructive surgery.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Wound Healing
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Skin flap necrosis is a significant postoperative complication.
- Effective strategies to enhance flap viability are crucial in reconstructive surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma containing fragmin/protamine microparticles (PRP&F/P MPs) in improving skin flap survival.
- To assess the impact of PRP&F/P MPs on preventing skin flap necrosis.
Main Methods:
- A rat dorsal paired pedicle skin (DPPS) flap model was utilized.
- Flaps were injected with PRP&F/P MPs, PRP alone, F/P MPs alone, or saline (control) two days prior to elevation.
- Flap survival area was measured seven days post-elevation.
Main Results:
- PRP&F/P MPs injection resulted in a significantly higher flap survival rate (73.1%) compared to PRP (64.9%), F/P MPs (59.4%), and control (61.2%) groups.
- Histological analysis revealed enhanced granulation tissue and neovascularization in flaps treated with PRP&F/P MPs.
Conclusions:
- Pre-injection of PRP&F/P MPs two days before flap elevation markedly improves flap survival.
- PRP&F/P MPs represent a promising therapeutic approach to mitigate skin flap necrosis in surgical settings.
