[Adenosine is effective to improve the viability of the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap in the pig].

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the adenosine treatment for augmentation of TRAM flap viability in pigs.

METHODS

This TRAM flap model was based on the deep inferior epigastric vascular pedicle, with the center of the transverse skin pedicle attached to the underlying rectus abdominis muscle at the superior end of the muscle and extending bilaterally from its attached muscle. The transverse skin pedicle (6 x 30 cm) included a contralateral and ipsilateral random portion of skin. Prior to raising the TRAM flap, 1 mg, 2 mg or 5 mg adenosine was injected through the superior epigastric artery in the experiment group.

RESULTS

Treatment with 2 mg or 5 mg adenosine increased skin viability of the transverse skin flap in the experiment group compared with the sham-operated control (P < 0.05, n = 5).

CONCLUSION

Adenosine treatment through a dominant vascular pedicle prior to raising the TRAM flap is effective in augmenting skin viability of the flap.