Autocannibalization of surviving and necrotic rat groin flaps

Autocannibalization of the rat groin flap was studied one week after a long ischemic period. It was shown that nearly all necrotic flaps were autocannibalized, but surviving flaps were not. The result was similar, whether the epigastric nerve was cut or kept intact. Against this background, it is emphasized that autocannibalized flaps should not be excluded from experimental studies, as this may alter the results.