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Purpose: To investigate the reproducibility of the experimental model of face allotransplantation in rats in Brazil., Methods: Eighteen rats were operated, nine-nine donors recipients. Animals underwent transplantation of the left hemiface, with periorbital and scalp. Transplants were made from donor Wistar rats to recipients Lewis rats. Flaps were based on the common carotid artery and the external jugular vein of the donor animal and the anastomosis in the recipient area was performed in common carotid artery (end-to-side) and in external jugular vein (end-to-end)., Results: Of the nine recipient animals operated, six survived and three progressed to death in the first days after surgery (survival rate = 67%). The mean time of the procedure was 252 minutes and the mean time of flap ischemia was 95 minutes. The five surviving animals were sacrificed at 14 days, in good general condition and without signs of tissue rejection., Conclusions: The experimental model of face allotransplantation in rats is reproducible in our midst. Duration of surgery, time of flap ischemia, animal survival rate and complications observed were similar to those described in the literature.

Background:  The lateral thoracic flap was first studied in the mid-1970s but its use has been limited because of pedicle anatomical variations. However, after the development of lymph node transfer surgery, the axilla/upper lateral thorax presented as a promising donor area. Through a detailed anatomical study, the lateral thoracic flap was evaluated regarding its vascularization and composition. Later, it was used for pedicle and free flap reconstructions., Methods:  A total of 40 flaps were dissected in fresh cadavers and the characteristics of the lateral thoracic pedicle and its relationship to the upper lateral thoracic axillary lymph nodes (LTLN) were analyzed. We performed six pedicle flap reconstructions around the shoulder area and a free lymph node transfer for lower limb lymphedema., Results:  In the cadaveric dissections, the lateral thoracic pedicle branched off the axillary vessels and was found to be a primary level I axillary lymph node irrigator before reaching the skin. The cutaneous portion of the artery was present in 87.5% of the dissections. Arterial caliber was an average of 1.3 and venous, 2.6 mm. Five to seven lymph nodes were isolated with each pedicle and a lymph fasciocutaneous flap could be designed. In seven clinical cases, all of the flaps survived. Functioning lymph nodes were visualized on lymphoscintigraphy after their transfer to the ankle. Donor area had an inconspicuous evolution., Conclusion:  Lateral thoracic flap is a feasible flap with low donor area morbidity in a concealed region that can be harvested with upper LTLN for transplantation., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)