Comparing the Effect of Hirudoid on Random Skin Flap Survival in Rats Based on Different Application Times
The objective of the present study was to compare the use of Hirudoid immediately after surgery with its use 6 hours post-operatively when probable thrombosis was formed but tissue damage was still reversible.
After preparing 3 × 11 cm dorsal flap in all rats, one group of 8 rats received Hirudoid topically immediately after surgery during 9 post-operative days. Another group received it 6 h after surgery during 9 post-operative days. The control group received Vaseline immediately after surgery on a daily basis during 9 post-operative days.
The mean area of flap survival in the control group was 8.75 ± 3.32 cm2 (mean ± SD) and it was 12.38±1.93 cm2 and 14.36 ± 3.51 cm2 in Hirudoid immediately after surgery and 6 hours after surgery groups, respectively.
It was found that Hirudoid can be effective in improving flap viability; although its effect was not statistically significant when used immediately after surgery (P > 0.05), it significantly increased flap survival when used 6 h after surgery (P = 0.003).