The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the delay procedure.

Background: This study evaluates the possibility of enhancing the beneficial effect of the delay procedure by using hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and the possibility of lessening the time required for maximal effect of delay procedure.

Methods: Eight male Wistar rats were used in each of 10 groups. The surgical delay method was applied to the caudally based dorsal rat flap by incising the longitudinal borders and undermining the flap. In the first five groups, 3-, 7-, 10-, 14-, and 21-day delay periods were applied, and in the other five groups, hyperbaric oxygen therapy was applied during the delay periods. Blood circulation was measured with a laser Doppler flowmeter, and flap survival lengths were recorded. Histological analysis for vascular counting and determining vascular areas and microangiographic analysis for monitoring vascular status were performed.

Results: In addition to the flap viabilities being increased, the maximum effect of the delay procedure could be achieved earlier with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Blood circulation in the flaps, vascular counts, and vascular areas were increased by applying hyperbaric oxygen during the delay period. Microangiographic results confirmed the beneficial effect of hyperbaric oxygen treatment.

Conclusions: Hyperbaric oxygen treatment during the delay period can lessen the time period needed for the delay procedure and increase the effect of the delay itself.