Research Information System
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PLASTIC SURGERY, no.1, 2025 (ESCI)
BackgroundFlap necrosis is a common complication of random skin flaps. Various methods have been used to reduce flap necrosis. The combined application of aspirin and ticagrelor has not yet been investigated in terms of flap viability. This study aimed to report the effects of combined aspirin and ticagrelor treatment with those of ticagrelor and aspirin treatment alone.MethodsA McFarlane flap with 3 x 9 dimensions was used as an animal model. Four study groups, with 40 rats in total and 10 rats in each group, were designed: the control, aspirin, ticagrelor, and combined ticagrelor-aspirin groups. The drugs were administered daily immediately before the procedure and for a subsequent 7-day period. The rats were examined using radionuclide scintigraphy and photographic and histopathological examination.ResultsScintigraphic examination revealed that flap survival rate was significantly higher in the ticagrelor and combined groups. Neovascularization values were higher in all three groups than in the control group. Acute and chronic inflammation were lower in the combined and ticagrelor groups.ConclusionsCombined ticagrelor-aspirin and ticagrelor-alone treatments were more effective at increasing flap viability. Ticagrelor treatment alone was found to be more beneficial than combined treatment as it had a safe complication profile.Level of evidence: Not gradable.ConclusionsCombined ticagrelor-aspirin and ticagrelor-alone treatments were more effective at increasing flap viability. Ticagrelor treatment alone was found to be more beneficial than combined treatment as it had a safe complication profile.Level of evidence: Not gradable.