Feasibility of a Modified Island Groin Flap for Microsurgical Training: An Experimental Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The groin flap in rat models has been widely used with various modifications for experimental purposes and surgical training. However, these designs require well-established surgical skills, may involve complex harvesting procedures from a donor site to a recipient site, and some models do not offer novice trainees the opportunity to practice vessel anastomosis. In this study, we presented a modified groin flap model for microsurgery training that applies microvascular anastomosis techniques without the full degree of free flap transfer complexity. METHODS: Twelve 8-week-old male Sprague Dawley were used to establish a modified groin flap. Popliteal and saphenous vessels were ligated and cut, followed by temporary transection of femoral vessels. Animals were subjected to ischemia for 2 hours, followed by anastomosis of femoral vessels. Animals were monitored for 1 week, followed by sample retrieval for histologic examination. RESULTS: Clinically, no flap necrosis was observed, although flap shrinkage occurred. Body weight remained stable, with no significant weight loss noted. Histologically, uneventful healing was observed in the proximal regions, while delayed healing was noted in the distal region to the vascular pedicle. CONCLUSION: The modified groin flap is easy to recreate in a rat model and well-suited for microsurgical training among novice trainees. This flap design also serves as a reliable platform for studying ischemic-reperfusion injury.

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