title: Non-revascularized epigastric free flap: no all-or-none survival pattern.
abstract: We have previously shown that the epigastric flap in Dark Agouty rats, measuring approximately 6 x 4 cm with borders related to well-defined anatomical structures, does not exhibit an all-or-none survival pattern. This study was designed to investigate the survival pattern of non-revascularized epigastric flaps in three other rat strains (Sprague-Dawley, Brown-Norway, and Lewis). In concordance with our earlier observations, but in contrast to reports by many other groups, in none of the used strains was an all-or-none survival pattern observed. Survival varying from 2 to 30% (mean, 12%) of the original flap, without significant differences between the strains, was found. The locations of survival exhibited a clear pattern, probably owing to the fat pad in the subcutis and revascularisation from the recipient wound edges.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Franken
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Werker
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Overgoor
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kon
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000473:pathology; D000818:Animals; D006085:Graft Survival; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D051381:Rats; D011914:Rats, Inbred BN; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D013524:Surgical Flaps