title: Use of SystemicRosmarinus Officinalisto Enhance the Survival of Random-Pattern Skin Flaps.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Skin flaps are commonly used in soft-tissue reconstruction; however, necrosis can be a frequent complication. Several systemic and local agents have been used in attempts to improve skin flap survival, but none that can prevent flap necrosis have been identified.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to determine whether the use of systemicRosmarinus officinalis (R. officinalis)extract can prevent flap necrosis and improve skin flap recovery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Animal experimentation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-five Wistar albino rats were divided in five groups. A rectangular random-pattern flaps measuring 8×2 cm was elevated from the back of each rat. Group I was the control group. In Group II, 0.2 ml ofR. officinalisoil was given orally 2h before surgery.R. officinalisoil was then applied orally twice a day for a week. In Group III,R. officinalisoil was given orally twice a day for one week before surgery. At the end of the week, 0.2 mL of R. officinalis oil was given orally 2 h before surgery. In Group IV, 0.2 mL ofR. officinalisoil was injected subcutaneously 2 h before surgery. After the surgery, 0.2 mLR. officinalisoil was injected subcutaneously twice a day for one week. In Group V, 0.2 mLR. officinalisoil was injected subcutaneously twice a day for one week prior to surgery. At the end of the week, one last 0.2 mLR. officinalisoil injection was administered subcutaneously 2 h before surgery. After the surgery, 0.2 mLR. officinalisoil was injected subcutaneously twice a day for one week.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean percentage of viable surface area was significantly greater (p<0.05) in Groups II, III, IV, and V as compared to Group I. Mean vessel diameter was significantly greater (p<0.05) in Groups II, III, IV, and V as compared to Group I.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We have determined that, in addition to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects, R. officinalis has vasodilatory effects that contribute to increased skin flap survival.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Bilsev
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: İnce
authors.affiliation: Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Clinic, Elbistan State Hospital, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey.
authors.forename: Fatma
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bilgen
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ayşe Özlem
authors.initials: AÖ
authors.lastname: Gündeşlioğlu
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Mehmet
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dadacı
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Sümeyye
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kozacıoğlu
keywords: Rosmarinus officinalis; flap survivability; rosemary; tissue defect