Comparing the Effect of Hirudoid on Random Skin Flap Survival in Rats Based on Different Application Times

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to compare the use of Hirudoid immediately after surgery with its use ۶ hours post-operatively when probable thrombosis was formed but tissue damage was still reversible. Methods: After preparing ۳ × ۱۱ cm dorsal flap in all rats, one group of ۸ rats received Hirudoid topically immediately after surgery during ۹ post-operative days. Another group received it ۶ h after surgery during ۹ post-operative days. The control group received Vaseline immediately after surgery on a daily basis during ۹ post-operative days. Results: The mean area of flap survival in the control group was ۸.۷۵ ± ۳.۳۲ cm۲ (mean ± SD) and it was ۱۲.۳۸±۱.۹۳ cm۲ and ۱۴.۳۶ ± ۳.۵۱ cm۲ in Hirudoid immediately after surgery and ۶ hours after surgery groups, respectively. Conclusions: It was found that Hirudoid can be effective in improving flap viability; although its effect was not statistically significant when used immediately after surgery (P > ۰.۰۵), it significantly increased flap survival when used ۶ h after surgery (P = ۰.۰۰۳).

Keywords:

Skin Random Flap , Ischemia , Flap Necrosis , Hirudoid