Augmentation Effect of Certain Vasodilators on Skin Flap Viability—An Experimental Study

Abstract

The effect of some drugs, inducing vasodilatation, was noted on skin flap survival in rats, 6-hydroxydopamine, which induces chemical sympathectomy, produced marked survival of the flaps. Isoxsuprine and salbutamol, the beta-2 receptor agonists, also induced significant augmentation of flap survival. All these drugs were more cffective than the surgical delay procedure. Reserpine didnot enhance skin flap survival, Since 6-HD, isoxsuprine and salbutamol produce marked vasodilatation, they may prevent skin flap necrosis by enhancing cutaneous blood flow.