The effect of perforator location on epigastric perforator flap survival: an experimental and stereological study in guinea pigs.
One challenge most often seen in perforator-based flaps is the topographic relationship between the flap and its perforator, which determines flap design and pedicle length. Thirty female guinea pigs were used in this study. They were divided into four different groups including three experimental groups (n = 8), which were designed as central, lateral, and distal groups according to the perforator location, and one control group (n = 6). Flap survival and vessel density rates were assessed. There was no statistically significant difference ( P > 0.05) among either the surviving skin areas or the vascular density rates of the experimental groups, although all flaps were necrosed in the control group. We concluded that perforator flaps can safely be raised on the perforators located very distal or lateral to the flaps, as well as central classical location. Moreover, perforator flaps larger than suggested can safely be harvested in the same donor sites.
Ataturk University, Medical Faculty, Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Erzurum, Turkey.
Onder
O
Tan
Duygu
D
Ergen
Bekir
B
Atik
Cemal
C
Gundogdu
Ilknur
I
Calik
Ismail
I
Can
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology