Effects of vasoactive topical agents on the survival of dorsal skin flaps in rats

• Published in: Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery 1999-09, Vol.121 (3), p.220-223
• Main Authors: SMITH, DANIEL K., DOLAN, ROBERT W.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Administration, Topical; Animals; Dinoprostone - administration & dosage; Dinoprostone - pharmacology; Graft Survival - drug effects; Minoxidil - administration & dosage; Minoxidil - pharmacology; Nitroglycerin - administration & dosage; Nitroglycerin - pharmacology; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Surgical Flaps; Vasodilator Agents - administration & dosage; Vasodilator Agents - pharmacology
• ISSN: 0194-5998; 1097-6817
• DOI: 10.1016/S0194-5998(99)70175-0

Objective: To evaluate 3 vasoactive topical agents regarding their ability to improve the survival of random skin flaps in rats. Method: Thirty-five adult Sprague-Dawley rats had a single 9 × 2 cm random skin flap raised with topical application of a white petroleum ointment (control group), prostaglandin E2, minoxidil, or nitroglycerin to the flap. The effect of the agents on the viability of the flaps was evaluated. Results: The control group had an average survival area of 60.8% ± 7.9%. The nitroglycerin and minoxidil groups were not significantly different, with an average area of survival of 60.1% ± 8.1% and 63.3% ± 4.7%, respectively. The prostaglandin E2 group had average area of survival of 74.2% ± 10.5% ( P = 0.002). Conclusion: Prostaglandin E2 demonstrated a significant increase in flap survival. Nitroglycerin ointment and minoxidil had no beneficial effects when compared with control. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999;121:220-3.)