Efficacy of topical nitroglycerin for random-pattern skin-flap salvage.
The efficacy of topical nitroglycerin in the augmentation of random-pattern skin-flap survival was studied. Our model consisted of a standardized cranially based random skin flap on the dorsum of Sprague-Dawley rats. Nitroglycerin was delivered transdermally through a semipermeable membrane from a constant delivery system. The four study groups included preoperative and postoperative nitroglycerin, postoperative nitroglycerin, semipermeable membrane alone, and a control flap. Surviving flap areas were measured by a computer-assisted system, and groups were statistically analyzed for significance. In the rat model, treatment of a compromised random skin flap by topical nitroglycerin demonstrates no improvement in survival. In light of previous studies, this suggests a fundamental drug response difference between axial- and random-pattern skin flaps. Moreover, the use of a semipermeable membrane dressing alone showed a clear benefit (p less than 0.05) over nitroglycerin-treated and control animals.
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000187:drug effects*; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013997:Time Factors
D005996:Nitroglycerin