Experimental Studies on the Lower Abdominal Flap of the Rabbit by using the Laser Doppler Flowmetry and PGE1

Kim, Jeong Tae; Son, Hee Dong; Lee, Keun Cheol; Park, Jung Min; Kim, Seok Kwun

Abstract

The survival of flap has a vital importance in the reconstructive surgery. This study was designed to investigate the relation of the survival area and the variation of flow value measured by laser Doppler flowmetry and to elucidate the effect of PGE1 on flap survival with an objective index. Sixteen New Zealand White rabbits were divided into 3 groups (8 of control group, 4 of intravenous PGE1 group and 4 of topical PGE1 group). The lower abdominal island flap (10 x 5 cm) based on the superficial epigastric pedicle was elevated and reset again at the previous location. The flow values were checked and it was taken as the value of LD. LD ratio was obtained by calculating the ratio of LD value in each experimental period to that of the baseline data taken before flap elevation. Finally, the data of flap survival area on the 8th experimental day was collected by using the plannimetry method. The results: the survival areas of intravenous PGE1 group (72.0 +/- 22.3%) and topical PGE1 group (78.0 +/- 22.7%) showed a significant increase compared to that of control group (46.5 +/- 14.3%, p < 0.01). The flap survival has the close relationship of the LD ratio measured immediately after flap elevation. The neovascularization period for the survival is considered at least 6 days. In conclusion, these experimental results can show an evident relation between the survival area of the flap and the LD ratio value measured immediately after the flap elevation. The LD ratio value measured immediately after flap elevation has the great significance as a critical limit for expecting the fate of flap survival. Therefore this value will be used as one of the beneficial standards for expecting the prognosis of microsurgical reconstruction in clinical trials.