[The changes of micrangium density of the reverse-flow random flap with a superficial venous trunk: an experimental study using stereological methods].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of the superficial venous trunk (SVT) and its nourishing vessels on early revascularization of the reverse-flow random flap in order to provide theoretical evidences for clinical applications. METHODS: The morphologic changes of micrangium of the reverse-flow random flap with SVT and without SVT were observed at different phases and compared by optical microscopy and stereological methods. RESULTS: The micrangium density of the flaps with SVT and without SVT showed a tendency of increasing at 3 days after the operation. At 5 to 10 days, the micrangium density of the flap with SVT was much higher than the flap without SVT. There was significant difference between the two groups, which was proved by the optical microscopy observation. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that SVT and its nourishing vessels could promote early revascularization of the flap after transplantation. The SVT can be of benefit to the survival of the reverse-flow random flap.