The effect of hematoma in muscle flap microcirculation.

Free radicals were first mentioned by Healey about the hematoma under skin flaps, trying to explain the blood itself has different effect beyond its space-occupying effect or infection. The aim of this study was to determine whether hematoma would have any effect on neutrophil behavior in muscle flap microcirculation. Rat cremaster muscle flap model was used for measuring intravital different parameters. We used the rat cremaster muscle flap model for direct observation and measurement of rolling and adhesion. The rats were randomized into 6 groups. Groups I and IV: only the cremaster muscle was turned to the abdominal wall (n = 4 and n = 4). Groups II and V: saline was injected under the muscle flap (n = 3 and n = 4). Group III and VI: blood was injected under the muscle flap (n = 4 and n = 5). Two sets of microcirculatory measurements were taken in each group. For the comparisons of the groups, the measurements that were taken at the second hour and at the sixth hour were standardized according to the baseline values of the same groups in the same postcapillary venules. Comparisons within the groups were made by Student t test. Between the groups, analysis of variance (ANOVA) independent test was used.Within groups, the number of adherent neutrophils in the second and sixth hour in hematoma groups were found significantly increased according to the baseline measurements, and the number of rolling neutrophils in the second hour in hematoma group was found increased according to the baseline measurements. Between groups, the number of rolling neutrophils in the second hour was found significantly increased between hematoma and sham/hematoma and control groups and the number of adherent neutrophils in the second and sixth hour was found significantly increased between hematoma and sham/hematoma and control groups.