[1984-1994: Ten years of skin flaps. Recent advances in experimental surgery]

The author has selected and updated four subjects in Plastic Surgery research. All flap monitoring procedures are detailed. They are still insufficient, as none of them can be used in all clinical situations. Free radicals have been implicated in the extension of necrosis after reperfusion of an ischaemic flap. Many substances have been tested for their scavenger action, particularly superoxide dismutase. Continuous intraarterial infusion of fibrinolytics is the treatment of the "no reflow phenomenon". A protocol with urokinasis, lidocaine and enoxaparine for ten days is used in our department with a 75% success rate. Finally, many interesting advances have been made to improve the biotolerance of allogeneic transfers. Cryopreservation of transplanted tissues at -196 degrees C for three weeks seems to be an interesting solution to avoid the rejection phenomenon.