PRP&F/P MPs Improved Survival of Dorsal Paired Pedicle Skin Flaps in Rats

Background. Skin flap necrosis is a problem encountered postoperatively. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of platelet-rich plasma containing fragmin/protamine microparticles (PRP&F/P MPs) on viability in a rat dorsal paired pedicle skin (DPPS) flap. Materials and Methods. Two symmetrical adjoining rectangular flaps (8 x 2 cm each) were drawn on the rat dorsum. Two days after PRP&F/PMPs-, PRP-, F/P MPs-, and saline (control)-injections (n = 8 each), flaps were elevated as a random pattern flap without the lateral thoracic, posterior intercostal, and deep circumflex iliac vessels. The flaps were immediately sutured back and the flap survival area was measured 7 d after flap elevation. Results. The flap survival rate in PRP&F/P MPs-injected groups (73.1% +/- 4.2%) was significantly higher than those in PRP (64.9% +/- 4.0%), F/P MPs (59.4 +/- 4.5%), and control (61.2% +/- 4.2%) groups. Histologic observation of the flaps showed survived thick granulation tissue and neovascularization in PRP&F/P MPs-injected groups. Conclusions. When PRP&F/P MPs are administered 2 d before the flap elevation, the improved flap survivals are observed. The pre-injection of PRP&F/P MPs may thus represent a promising treatment to prevent skin flap necrosis in reconstructive surgery. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.