A vascular approach to the prevention of infection

This study demonstrates that both axial and musculocutaneous flaps are similar in their ability to reduce bacterial concentrations and that either is superior to a random flap. Moreover, when the vascular flow in a random flap is improved, so is its potential to diminish bacterial contamination. Clinical infection reflects an imbalance between vascular supply and bacterial contamination. This study implies that flap selection in contaminated areas should be based on vascular profusion and that approaches which preserve or augment blood flow are efficacious in avoiding bacterial proliferation.