Comparison of effects of pentoxfylline and nitroderm on skin flap viability

Abstract

Flap necrosis is still a significant problem in flap surgery. Nitroglycerin is a direct-acting vascular smooth muscle relaxant whereas pentoxifylline is a hemorrheology agent. In this experimental study, we attempted to compared the effect of topical nitroglycerin and parenteral pentoxifylline on skin flap survival in rats. Necrotic flap area was calculated to be 789 ± 216 mm square, in the control group, 580 ± 161 mm square in pentoxfylline treated group, and 493 ± 160 mm square in the nitroglycerin treated group. Living flap length was measured as 6.26 ± 0.72 cm in control group, 7.0 ± 0.57 cm in the pentoxfylline treated group, and 7.3 ± 0.70 cm in the nitroglycerin treated group. It has been found that topical nitroglycerin and parenteral pentoxifylline is effective on skin flap survival in the rats.