The effects of ozonated olive oil on the flap in an experimental full-thickness skin flap model

In surgical practice random sample skin flaps are used frequently. The flap necrosis is a horrible complication because of cosmetic and functional problems. The efficiency of ozone on chronic and acute wound healing has been reported. In this experimental study, the effects of ozonated olive oil and pure olive oil sucked medical dressing is searched on vesseling in the doral skin flaps on rats. Twenty one Wistar Albino male masculine rats weighing 200-250 grams were seperated into three groups with seven members. All of rats underwent to a full-thickness dorsal flap with caudal basis. Any additional application was given to rats in control group. Olive oil or ozonated olive oil was applied, twice per day, to flap areas of rats in remaining two groups during postoperative seven day. On posteperative seventh day, 1 centimeter squared full-thickness tissue samples obtained from middle point of flap areas. Tissue samples were stained by CD34 and VEGF antibodies, and were observed under light microscope. The mean numbers of CD34- and VEGF-positive structures were 10.29 ± 1.80 and 8.86 ± 1.35 in control group, respectively. They were 15.57 ± 1.72 and 15.00 ± 1.41 in olive oil group, and were 25.00 ± 2.16 and 25.14 ± 2.41 in ozonated olive oil group, respectively. In both study groups, the mean numbers of CD34- and VEGF-positive structures were statistically significantly higher than control group (p<0.001, for both). Either CD34- or VEGF-positive stained structures were much more in ozonated olive oil group than olive oil group (p<0.001). As a result, it was shown that ozonated olive oil increased vascularization in random sample full-thickness skin flaps. Keywords: Flap, Olive oil, Ozonated Olive Oil, CD-34, VEGF