Fluorometric assessment of skin flap viability in the rat: effect of radiation therapy.
The fluorescein test is widely used to assess perfusion in skin flaps but tends to underestimate skin viability when visual inspection under ultraviolet light is employed. Fiberoptic dermofluorometry, which has recently been introduced, more accurately assesses fluorescein distribution in skin flaps than does visual inspection. Viability of the back flap in rats receiving ionizing radiation was evaluated by dermofluorometry. This technique was highly accurate in predicting viability and has great applicability for studying blood flow in irradiated tissues.
D000818:Animals; D005470:Fluorometry / Q000379:methods*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply / Q000528:radiation effects; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000528:radiation effects*