Common Rodent Flap Models in Experimental Surgery

Background: Flap procedures are widely used in clinical reconstructive surgery. Since ische­mia-associated complications, e.g., wound breakdown or tissue necrosis, are still a great challenge in flap surgery, experimental flap models are widely used to study flap physiology and to evaluate treatment strategies to prevent these complications. Summary: Since rodents in general, and mice and rats in particular, are widely used in experimental flap models, we give an overview of the most common flap models in rodents, including the cremaster flap, the osteomyocutaneous flap, the McFarlane flap, the ear flap, and the dorsal skinfold chamber. Key Messages: Rodent flap models in experimental surgery are manifold and have a long history. These models play an important role in training surgical techniques, understanding flap physiology, defining flap anatomy and vascularity, and developing treatment regimens to prevent the necrosis of ischemically challenged tissue. However, it is important to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the single flap models concerning the possible time span of the experiment, the degree of difficulty, and the reproducibility and the translation of the results in humans.

Viability of a random pattern dorsal skin flap, in diabetic rats

PURPOSE: Evaluation of the viability of a random pattern dorsal skin flap, in rats with experimentally induced diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Thirty adult, male, Wistar EPM rats were distributed, at random, in two groups: I - Control (flap elevation) and II - Experimental (flap elevation ten days after alloxan induced diabetes ). RESULTS: The mean areas of necrosis in the different groups were 36.4% (Control) and 52.1% (Experimental). CONCLUSION: The random pattern dorsal skin flap was less viable in the diabetic rats.