Non-revascularized epigastric free flap: No all-or-none survival pattern

We have previously shown that the epigastric flap in Dark Agouty rats, measuring approximately 6 × 4 cm with borders related to well‐defined anatomical structures, does not exhibit an all‐or‐none survival pattern. This study was designed to investigate the survival pattern of non‐revascularized epigastric flaps in three other rat strains (Sprague‐Dawley, Brown‐Norway, and Lewis). In concordance with our earlier observations, but in contrast to reports by many other groups, in none of the used strains was an all‐or‐none survival pattern observed. Survival varying from 2 to 30% (mean, 12%) of the original flap, without significant differences between the strains, was found. The locations of survival exhibited a clear pattern, probably owing to the fat pad in the subcutis and revascularisation from the recipient wound edges. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss Inc.