Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 17, 2025
10:10
A Model of Free Tissue Transfer: The Rat Epigastric Free Flap
Published on: January 15, 2017
16.9K
Tattoo Sticker: An Ideal Preoperative Planning Material for Flap Surgery
Ni Zhan1, Jingjing Liang2, Min Wang3
1Jinling Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University.
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|June 30, 2025
Summary
Tattoo stickers offer superior stability for preoperative surgical markings compared to traditional pens. These durable tattoo stickers resist fading and movement after sterilization, ensuring precise surgical planning.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Innovation
- Medical Device Materials
Background:
- Preoperative planning is crucial for surgical success.
- Current surgical marking materials often degrade or disappear during sterilization.
- Disappearing lines compromise surgical precision and patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate tattoo stickers as a stable alternative for preoperative surgical lineation.
- To compare the durability of tattoo stickers against conventional marking agents post-sterilization.
Main Methods:
- A surgical line drawing model was established using four materials: Methylene Blue, Tattoo Sticker, Black Whiteboard Pen, and Red Marker Pen.
- Lines were drawn on skin, dried, and some fixed with iodine tincture.
- Marked areas underwent three sterilization cycles using iodine tincture.
- ImageJ software quantified the residual rate of each marking material.
Main Results:
- Tattoo stickers demonstrated a significantly higher residual rate compared to Methylene Blue, Black Whiteboard Pen, and Red Marker Pen.
- Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences (P<0.001) in material stability post-sterilization.
Conclusions:
- Tattoo stickers are highly resistant to dissolution and maintain stability after surgical disinfection.
- Their superior visibility and precision make tattoo stickers an ideal material for preoperative surgical line drawing.
