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J Reconstr Microsurg 1988; 4(3): 233-234
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006924
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1988 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Autocannibalization of Surviving and Necrotic Rat Groin Flaps

Marie L. Westin, Per G. Heden
  • Department of Plastic Surgery, Karolinska Hospital and Department of Experimental Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Publication History

Accepted for publication 1987

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Autocannibalization of the rat groin flap was studied one week after a long ischemic period. It was shown that nearly all necrotic flaps were autocannibalized, but surviving flaps were not. The result was similar, whether the epigastric nerve was cut or kept intact. Against this background, it is emphasized that autocannibalized flaps should not be excluded from experimental studies, as this may alter the results.