Effects of vasoactive topical agents on the survival of dorsal skin flaps in rats

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To evaluate 3 vasoactive topical agents regarding their ability to improve the survival of random skin flaps in rats. METHOD Thirty-five adult Sprague-Dawley rats had a single 9 × 2 cm random skin flap raised with topical application of a white petroleum ointment (control group), prostaglandin E2, minoxidil, or nitroglycerin to the flap. The effect of the agents on the viability of the flaps was evaluated. RESULTS The control group had an average survival area of 60.8% ± 7.9%. The nitroglycerin and minoxidil groups were not significantly different, with an average area of survival of 60.1% ± 8.1% and 63.3% ± 4.7%, respectively. The prostaglandin E2 group had average area of survival of 74.2% ± 10.5% ( P = 0.002). CONCLUSION Prostaglandin E2 demonstrated a significant increase in flap survival. Nitroglycerin ointment and minoxidil had no beneficial effects when compared with control.