Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026

In situ Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap: A Rat Model of Myocutaneous Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Published on: June 8, 2013
Glucose level evaluation in monopedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap after venous occlusion: experimental
Gustavo Levacov Berlim1, Antônio Carlos Pinto Oliveira2, Ciro Paz Portinho2
1Post-Graduate Program in Surgical Sciences, Medical School, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Objective:
to validate an experimental model for the measurement of glycemic levels in surgical flaps with the use of common glucometers, and to analyze the diagnostic criteria for hypoperfusion of such flaps.
Methods:
we performed vertical myocutaneous rectus abdominis flaps with upper pedicles bilaterally in 20 male Wistar rats, divided into two groups: with and without venous occlusion of the pedicle. We measured glucose levels in the flaps and in the systemic circulation with standard glucometers. We tested the accuracy of alternative diagnostic criteria for the detection of hypoperfusion.
Results:
from 15 minutes of venous occlusion on, there was a significant reduction in glucose levels measured in the congested flap (p<0.001). Using a minimum difference of 20mg/dl in the glycemic levels between the flap and systemic blood, 30 minutes after occlusion, as a diagnostic criterion, the sensitivity was 100% (95% CI 83.99-100%) and specificity of 90% (95% CI 69.90-97.21%) for the diagnosis of flap congestion.
Conclusion:
It is possible to measure glucose levels in vertical myocutaneous rectus abdominis flaps of Wistar rats, perfused or congested, using a common glucometer. The diagnostic criteria that compare the glucose levels in the flaps with the systemic ones were more accurate in the evaluation of tissue perfusion.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Venous Return
What is Venous Return?
Venous return refers to the rate at which blood flows back to the heart from the body's peripheral veins. It's an integral part of the circulatory system...
Glucose Homeostasis: Regulation of Blood Glucose
During fasting, when blood glucose levels are low, the pancreas secretes glucagon. it...
Glucose Transporters
Facilitated diffusion-glucose transporters (GLUTs) are encoded by the solute-linked carrier (SLC) family 2, subfamily A gene family, or SLC2A. The 14 GLUT protein members are distributed into three classes:
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Leveling Effect

