The Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen, Dimethyl Sulfoxide and Complamin on the Survival of Experimental Skin Flaps

Abstract

Dorsal standard skin flaps in rats were intentionally made long enough giving a predictable and constant degree of necrosis of the distal half of the flap. Six series of animals were treated with hyperbaric oxygen, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and Complamin respectively and compared with control series of untreated animals. The amount of surviving tissue was significantly increased by treatment with hyperbaric oxygen as well as with DMSO. All therapy used had, however, at best, a marginal effect on the survival of skin flaps in which the circulation had ceased. No support was found for the theory that necrosis of skin flaps occurs from an excess of arterial supply concomitant with an insufficient venous drainage.