The effects of the inhalational anesthetic agent combination, isoflurane-nitrous oxide, on survival in a pig random skin flap model

Abstract

Using a dorsally based, random skin flap model in 14 swine, the influence on skin flap survival of isoflurane used with nitrous oxide as maintenance anesthetic agents was examined. The mean area of skin flap survival was 54.9% for the experimental group compared with 28.6% in the control group. Arterial blood gas content (PO2, PCO2, and HCO3-), respiratory rate, acid-base balance, blood pressure level, pulse rate, and temperature were monitored. Improved survival of the isoflurane-nitrous oxide group was independent of these parameters. These data support the findings of a previous study that isoflurane positively affects random skin flap survival in a swine model. Furthermore, the addition of nitrous oxide partially reduces isoflurane's beneficial effects.