Effects of vasoactive topical agents on the survival of dorsal skin flaps in rats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 3 vasoactive topical agents regarding their ability to improve the survival of random skin flaps in rats. METHOD: Thirty-five adult Sprague-Dawley rats had a single 9 x 2 cm random skin flap raised with topical application of a white petroleum ointment (co ntrol group), prostaglandin E2, minoxidil, or nitroglycerin to the flap. Th e effect of the agents on the viability of the flaps was evaluated. RESULTS:The control group had an average survival area of 60.8% +/- 7.9%. T he nitroglycerin and minoxidil groups were not significantly different, wit h an average area of survival of 60.1% +/- 8.1% and 63.3% +/- 4.7%, respect ively. The prostaglandin E2 group had average area of survival of 74.2% +/- 10.5% (P = 0.002), CONCLUSION: Prostaglandin E2 demonstrated a significant increase in flap su rvival. Nitroglycerin ointment and minoxidil had no beneficial effects when compared with control.