The efficacy of magnesium sulfate on resolving surgically provoked vasospasm of the flap pedicle in an experiment.

BACKGROUND

Vasospasm frequently accompanies manipulation of small vessels during free flap surgeries and replantations. The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of magnesium sulphate on vasospasm provoked by surgical manipulation (axial tension) on the flap pedicle. This kind of surgical manipulation of the vessel cannot be studied in a clinical environment without putting flap viability into risk.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats weighing around 300 g each were classified in two experimental groups (n=20 in each). In the treatment group (group A) Magnesium Sulphuricum 10% (Biotika, Czech Republic) was applied; the second group (group B) served as a control. The vasopasm was provoked by pulling the pedicle of the right groin flap of the rat. The peripheral blood perfusion of the flap was continuously measured using laser-Doppler recording. In the study group, magnesium sulphate was applied topically on the flap pedicle to relieve vasospasm, and duration of the vasospasm was compared to the control group.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference (p=0.01) between the groups was found. The duration of vasospasm was significantly shorter in the treatment group A.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that in an experimental environment magnesium sulphate is effective in relieving surgically provoked vasospasm of the flap pedicle. This finding is in accordance with our clinical observations.