Effect of dimethyl sulfoxide on island flap perfusion and survival in rats

Investigations of the effect of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on skin flap survival have generated mixed results. In addition, to our knowledge, the effect of systemic DMSO on skin flap blood perfusion has not been previously studied. For this study, 48 rats were divided into three groups: (1) a control group, (2) a group injected with DMSO postoperatively only (for seven days), and (3) a preoperatively injected group (for three days preoperatively and seven days postoperatively). The DMSO was given intraperitoneally at a dose of 1.5 g/kg. On each rat, an abdominal island flap (3 X 6 cm) was raised and restored to its original site. Laser Doppler velocimetry and perfusion fluorometry were used to monitor flap perfusion immediately following surgery (day 0) and on postoperative day 3. Flap survival was significantly greater in the DMSO-treated groups when compared with the control group. Significant increases in blood perfusion were noted in the treated flaps on day 3.