Comparison of a new method for computer analysis with standard techniques for measuring survival rates in the rat transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap.

Publication/Presentation Date

12-1-2001

Abstract

Many methods have been used to measure experimental flap survival in animal models. These have previously included planimetry, computer programs, and (routinely by the authors) the simple measurement of the weight of a template traced according to the dimensions of a given flap. To test the validity of their method, an alternative technique was developed by the authors' biostatiticians. Initially, in a study of rat transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps, all templates were also scanned electronically to form bitmaps. Using commonly available software programs, each bitmap was colorized corresponding to viable and nonviable areas of the flaps. A summation of individual pixels by color could then be used to calculate the percentage of flap survival. A comparison of both methodologies in 64 rat TRAM flaps found that the survival rate was slightly greater overall when a computer analysis had been performed (3.1 +/- 1.7%), but this was not a significant difference (p = 0.479). Thus, the previous standard method was proven reliable, but just as precise calculations are now possible using the convenience of any personal computer.

Volume

47

Issue

6

First Page

647

Last Page

651

ISSN

0148-7043

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Medical Specialties | Surgery

PubMedID

11756836

Department(s)

Department of Surgery, Department of Surgery Faculty

Document Type

Article

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