Abstract
Objective: Create a local flap model in the rodent mimicking the rotational flaps used in head and neck reconstruction, secondarily to see if irradiation of this model will result in flap failure and necrosis.
Method: A 3 × 8 cm flap was designed over the right side of the abdomen pedicled off of the inferior epigastric. Left side of the abdomen a 3 × 8 cm defect at 60 degrees from midline was created and the flap was inset. On POD #7 area of necrosis was analyzed.
Results: Eight rats were irradiated with 40 gy in 4 divided doses over 8 days. Field of radiation was restricted to an 8 × 10 cm across the abdomen. One month elapsed for the irradiated group prior to surgery. The control group consisted of 5 rats without radiation. Seven rats in the radiation group completed the study. One rat was sacrificed because of self-mutilation after surgery. Four out of 7 (57%) rats in the irradiated group had necrosis of the distal flap ranging from 1 to 6 cm from the distal edge. No necrosis was seen in the control group. Histology revealed collagen and vascular changes in the irradiated skin.
Conclusion: The irradiated rat model of an axial rotational flap is consistent with what is seen in previously irradiated patients that develop skin necrosis after reconstruction with local rotational flaps.
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