Suction-assisted lipectomy does not increase the risk of random flap necrosis in a randomized study in pigs

Thirty-two dorsally based random flaps were raised in eight Yorkshire pigs (26-31 kg) after infiltration with 200 mL of dilute lidocaine (0.1%) with epinephrine (1:1,000,000) into each flap. Prior to elevation 16 of the flaps were treated with syringe-assisted liposuction, while the remaining flaps served as controls. One week postoperatively the viability of the flaps was assessed with computer-assisted planimetry of the necrotic area and by measurement of capillary blood flow using radioactive microspheres. The mean area of necrosis was nearly identical in the flaps treated with liposuction and in the control flaps, and there was no statistically significant difference in blood flow between the groups. The results show that liposuction performed with the "super-wet" or "tumescent" technique can be done prior to elevation of flaps in pigs without increasing the risk of flap necrosis.