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Objectives: Many studies have been carried out to
investigate the individual effects of vitamin C, vitamin
E, and ibuprofen on flap viability, with favorable results.
This study aimed to determine the effect of combined
use of these agents on flap viability.
Design and Methods: Sixty Wistar rats weighing
250-300 grams were divided into six groups, equal
in number, to receive saline solution (group 1, control),
vitamin C (group 2), vitamin E (group 3), vitamin
C and E (group 4), ibuprofen (group 5), and vitamin
C, vitamin E, and ibuprofen (group 6).
Following ketamine anesthesia, a caudally based
reverse McFarlane flap on the back of the rats, 3x10
cm in size, was elevated and sutured back. The
agents were administered intraperitoneally once
daily for seven days, after which viable flap areas
were estimated.
Results: The percentages of the viable area of the
flaps in groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 were 58.0%, 68.1%,
61.4%, 73.4%, 69.1%, and 80.5%, respectively. The
use of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ibuprofen in combination
resulted in a significantly greater flap viability compared
to individual uses.
Conclusion: Administering vitamin E and vitamin C
together has a greater effect on flap viability than
used alone; however, the benefit is the greatest with
the addition of ibuprofen.