Purpose: Evaluation of the viability of a random pattern dorsal skin flap, in rats with experimentally induced diabetes mellitus.
Methods: Thirty adult, male, Wistar EPM rats were distributed, at random, in two groups: I--Control (flap elevation) and II--Experimental (flap elevation ten days after alloxan induced diabetes).
Results: The mean areas of necrosis in the different groups were 36.4% (Control) and 52.1% (Experimental).
Conclusion: The random pattern dorsal skin flap was less viable in the diabetic rats.