pH-balanced solutions with superoxide dismutase (SOD): an attempt to increase island groin flap survival in rats.

Balanced salt solution (BSS) and balanced salt solution plus (BSS+), alone and in combination with heparin or superoxide dismutase (SOD), were used as irrigation solutions for rat groin flaps after prolonged ischemia. SOD always improved flap survival when it was present in solution, although when combined with BSS and BSS+, it was less effective than when combined with Ringer's lactate. The physiological pH solutions BSS and BSS+ had no advantages over Ringer's lactate in any of the tested combinations.