Comparison of ischaemic preconditioning with surgical delay technique to increase the viability of single pedicle island venous flaps: An experimental study

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of ischaemic preconditioning compared with the surgical delay procedure in an effort to increase the survival rate of single pedicle island venous flaps. Eighteen male Wistar albino rats (250-350 g) were included. A 3 x 4 cm flap was planned at the right lower abdomen of the rat. Superficial epigastric vein constituted the pedicle of the flap. The rats were divided into three groups, each consisting of six rats. In the control group, a single pedicle venous island flap was elevated on each rat and no other surgical procedure was performed. In the ischaemic preconditioning group, ischaemic preconditioning was performed and, in the surgical delay procedure group, the surgical delay technique was performed before flap elevation. The mean necrosis areas were 56.85 +/- 14.60%, 28.73 +/- 15.60%, and 12.08 +/- 3.65% in the control, ischaemic preconditioning, and surgical delay procedure groups, respectively. The necrosis areas were significantly smaller in the ischaemic preconditioning group and surgical delay procedure groups compared to the control group (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). The necrosis areas were similar in the ischaemic preconditioning and surgical delay procedure groups. Histopathological parameters including necrosis, abscess formation, and skin ulceration scores were significantly lower in the ischaemic preconditioning group than in the control group, whereas the study groups were similar. In conclusion, ischaemic preconditioning may serve as an adjuvant technique in increasing venous island flap viability.