Evaluation of the Extent of Vessel Avulsion Injury: An Experimental Study Using a Rabbit Model.

BACKGROUND:  Determining the extent of damage in vascular avulsion type injuries still represents a challenge for the microsurgeon. Excision of the damaged section is critical for the success of anastomosis. The purpose of this study was to determine which among vascular endothelial and adventitia damage findings is most effective in determining the extent of avulsion injury.

METHODS:  Varying degrees of avulsion were applied to the aorta of 12 ( n  = 12) adult female New Zealand rabbits. Avulsion was first determined using adventitial findings and then with endothelial findings. The definitive extent of damage was determined histopathologically.

RESULTS:  The mean area of the histopathological sections was 16.7 ± 6.9 mm. The extent of damage measured from the adventitia was 15.8 ± 7.9 mm (the difference in histopathological examinations was not significant, p  = 0.590, paired t -test), while the extent of damage from the lumen was 13.3 ± 8.2 mm (the difference in histopathological examinations was significant p  = 0.004, paired t -test).

CONCLUSION:  Excision based on adventitia findings is more effective in case of avulsion injury.