A comparative study of the influence of smoking on skin flap survival in pregnant rats

In this study, the effects of smoking on skin flap survival were evaluated. For purposes of comparison 12 female rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 comprised nonsmoker, nonpregnant rats; group 2 nonsmoker, pregnant rats; group 3 smoker, nonpregnant rats and group 4 smoker pregnant. On each subject a standard 4 X 10 cm McFarlane dorsal skin flap was raised. On the seventh day postoperatively, the flaps were traced on a transparent sheet marking off the necrotic areas. The area of skin flap necrosis was assessed by 'netcad' digital imaging analysis program. The area of skin flap viability in the pregnant groups was greater than in the nonpregnant groups. The nonsmoker pregnant group's flap viability was the highest and the smoker nonpregnant group's viability was the lowest. This result supports the conclusion that pregnancy enhances flap viability and produces some defensive factors against some of the adverse effects of smoking. (c) 2005 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.