Effect of gene therapy with vascular endothelial growth factor after abdominoplasty on TRAM flap viability in a rat model.

Background: The transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap may develop necrosis, especially in patients with risk factors such as previous abdominoplasty, caused by damage to perforating vessels during surgical procedures. This study was designed from the perspective of using vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene therapy with plasmid vector after abdominoplasty to stimulate neovascularization of the TRAM flap, thus increasing flap viability.

Methods: Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 8).