Purpose: The transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap is one of the preferential techniques used in breast reconstruction following mastectomy. Nicotine has a detrimental effect on cutaneous flap survival; although there are no experimental studies proving this effect on musculocutaneous flaps. The aim of this study is to verify the effect of nicotine on the rat TRAM flap. Methods: 30 Wistar EPM-1 rats were randomly distributed in two groups: control and experimental. The animals of the control group received saline solution injected subcutaneously, in a volume of 0.2 ml, twice a day, during 28 days in the preoperative period. The animals of the experimental group were treated with nicotine, injected subcutaneously, in a dose of 2 mg/kg twice a day, during 28 days in the preoperative period. All the animals were submitted to the caudally based, right unipedicled TRAM flap. 48 hours after the procedure, a study of the viable area of the flap was done through photographic documentation. Statistical analysis was performed with nonparametric Mann-Whitney's test. Results: The experimental group had significantly greater area of necrosis when compared with the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Nicotine increased the area of necrosis of the TRAM flap, in rats.
CITATION STYLE
Ely, P. B., Kobayashi, L. A., Campos, J. H. O., Gomes, H. C., Julianov, Y., & Ferreira, L. M. (2009). Nicotine on rat TRAM flap. Acta Cirurgica Brasileira, 24(3), 216–220. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-86502009000300010
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