Prevention of Unfavorable Effects of Cigarette Smoke on Flap Viability Using Botulinum Toxin in Random Pattern Flaps: An Experimental Study

The study explored the use of botulinum toxin type A (BTX) to counteract the harmful effects of cigarette smoke on skin flap viability in rats. Involving 28 male Wistar albino rats divided into four groups, the research found that BTX significantly decreased the necrotic area in rats exposed to cigarette smoke, with necrosis reduced from 41.5% in the cigarette smoke group to 26% in the cigarette smoke plus BTX group (P<0.001). Histopathological analysis confirmed that preoperative BTX improved flap viability in smoke-exposed rats. The study concluded that further research in humans is necessary to assess if BTX could lower the risk of flap necrosis in smokers.