Comparison of flash lamp pulsed-dye laser (585 nm) and conventional surgery in the delay of random dorsal rat flaps

Background and Objective: Delay is a basic surgical technique used by flap surgeons to improve the blood supply to the distal parts of a random skin flap. The aim of this study was to determine whether a scarless delay can be done by the use of the flash lamp pulsed-dye laser operating at a wavelength of 585 nm. Study Design/Materials and Methods: The pilot study showed that 6 J/cm² had a selective photothermolysis effect and therefore was chosen for testing the delay procedure on 15 rats. The percentage of flap necrosis of this group was compared to the results of 15 rats that underwent delay by surgery and 15 rats that were not treated prior to flap surgery (control group). Results: Laser delay of McFarlane flaps resulted in an average of 15.5% smaller necrotic area compared to the control group (52.7% ± 14.4% and 68.2% ± 9.6%, respectively, P < 0.01) and was as effective as surgical delay (53.3% ± 13.6%). Conclusions: The results indicate that the flash lamp pulsed-dye laser operating at 585 nm is effective for delaying cutaneous flaps in the rat model.