ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to observe the magnitude and time course of changes
in tissue edema in experimental free flaps. Thirty female Sprague Dawley rats underwent
elevation and orthoptic transplantation of free epigastric skin flaps. Using a modified
“wick in needle” technique, interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) was measured in the
flaps at various times up to 2 weeks postoperatively. Increases in IFP to positive
values were seen by 12 hours. IFP remained elevated for 3 to 5 days, after which they
gradually returned to control values by 2 weeks. This is the first study to follow
the time course and magnitude of changes in IFP and edema in free flaps. It is a useful
animal model by which the hemodynamic effects of physical and pharmacological manipulation
of flaps can be studied.
KEYWORDS
Interstitial fluid pressure - edema - free flaps
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Dr. John DavidsonM.D. F.R.C.S.C.
c/o Division of Plastic Surgery, Hotel Dieu Hospital
166 Brock Street, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 5G2, Canada
