EFFECT OF BLOCKING OF OXYGEN FREE RADICALS ON VENOUS ISLAND FLAP

ABSTRACT

Venous island flap has many advantages over other flaps, such as random pattern flap, island flap or free flap. It can cover the defect with wide arc of rotation and does not require vessel anastomosis and arterial pedicle, hence more sites are available for donor. The procedure is a time saving and simple procedure and can be performed even by two operating members. But it is not frequently used because of the poor survival of the flap. In this study, we attempted to allow whether pharmacological or delay procedure can enhance the survival of the venous island flap and the mechanism of the delay flap survival. We devised a model of venous island flap whose pedicle was a branch of central vein on the auricle of Newzeland white rabbit. SOD, allopurinol and SOD and allopurinol were given as pharmacological treatment and delay procedure was carried out to enhance the survival of the flap. For the study of survival mechanism of the delay flap, SOD levels of the delay and non-delay flap were observed by SOD 525 method. The results were as follows 1. Allopurinol, SOD and, SOD and allopurinol improved the survival of the flap significantly. 2. Delay procedure improved the survival of the flap significantly. 3. The level of SOD in delay flap was higher than that of non-delay flap regardless of the site within the flap or time passage. In conclusion, it is inferred that the administration of allopurinol and SOD and surgical delay can enhance the survival of the venous island flap. In delay venous island flap, increased level of SOD within the flap seem to contribute to the increased survival of the flap.