Effect of side-stream smoking on random-pattern skin flap survival in rats

The secondhand exposure to cigarette smoke is being considered evil, and damage caused by this passive exposure has been proven by several studies. To investigate the effects of sidestream smoke exposure on random-pattern skin flap survival, 20 female rats were separated into 2 groups: group A (n = 10) was exposed 6 weeks to the smoke from the burning cigarette (passive smoking) and group B (n = 10) was the control group. After 6 weeks of exposition, a dorsal McFarlane flap of 4 × 10 cm was performed in all rats. Two weeks after this procedure, the ratio of necrotic and total areas was calculated using computer programs. The median area of necrosis in group A was 29.5%, significantly higher than that in group B with 17.5% (P < 0.024). In conclusion, this study suggests increased risk of random-pattern skin flap necrosis after sidestream exposure to cigarette smoke.