Prevention of Wound Edge Necrosis by Local Application of Dimethylsulfoxide

Abstract

Background : Surgical flap necrosis is one of the most common problems after procedures such as mastectomies and regional lymph node dissections. In this prospective randomized study, the effect of topical dimethylsulfox-ide (DMSO) on skin flap viability was analyzed.

Material and methods : Sixty-six consecutive patients with breast cancer who had skin flaps created during mastectomy were randomized into two groups. Topical DMSO was applied on surgical flaps of the patients in Group-1, topical saline was applied for those in Group-2. Necrotic flap edges were recorded during the follow-up period for each patient, then excised and weighted in a blind manner.

Results : The mean weight of flap edge necrosis was 23.48 ± 9.5 (mean ± sem) μg in DMSO group and 126,27 ± 44.8 μg in control group (p = 0.03). The hospitalization period was 9.6 ± 0.5 days and 11.8 ± 0.8 days in DMSO group and control group respectively (p = 0.02). There were no side effects due to DMSO.

Conclusion : The application of DMSO reduced skin flap necrosis and improved outcome of surgical flaps.

Key Words:

• Dimethylsulfoxide
• tissue transfer
• skin flap
• flap necrosis

Additional information

Notes on contributors

O. Celen

O. Celen Bulusmalar Cad. E12 Blok No :18 TUR-06530, Angoraevleri, Beysukent Ankara, Turkey E-mail: [email protected]