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Comparative viability of expanded and unexpanded axial pattern skin flaps in pigs
J J McCann1, G M Mitchell, B M O'Brien
1Microsurgery Research Centre, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
British Journal of Plastic Surgery
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Tissue expansion of pig buttock island flaps showed increased survival in most cases. However, excessive expansion greater than 50% led to reduced flap viability compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Axial pattern flaps are crucial in reconstructive surgery.
- The deep circumflex iliac artery and vein supply the pig buttock island flap.
- Tissue expansion is a technique to increase flap viability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the viable area of expanded versus non-expanded pig buttock island flaps.
- To determine if tissue expansion improves flap survival.
- To investigate the effect of expansion percentage on flap viability.
Main Methods:
- Eight pigs were used, with expanded and control flaps on each side.
- Flaps were raised based on the deep circumflex iliac artery and vein.
- Viable flap area was measured 10 days post-inset.
Main Results:
- Six of eight pigs showed a statistically significant increase in viable flap area with expansion (p < 0.05).
- This positive effect was observed when initial tissue expansion was <= 50%.
- In two pigs with >50% initial expansion, expanded flaps had reduced viability.
Conclusions:
- Moderate tissue expansion (<=50%) can enhance pig buttock island flap survival.
- Excessive tissue expansion (>50%) may compromise flap viability.
- Further research is needed to optimize tissue expansion parameters for flap survival.