Effects of irradiation on grafted skin--vascular changes after irradiation.

Early changes in the vascularity of grafted skin after X-ray irradiation were evaluated using the microangiographic technique. There was a correlation betweeen the vascular density at the time of irradiation and the vascular density two weeks after irradiation. The grafts irradiated in the early hypovascular stage showed mild-moderate vascular reactions to irradiation, whereas those irradiated in the hypervascular stage showed severe vascular reactions. The grafts irradiated in the late hypovascular stage showed mild vascular reactions. There was also a relation between the skin reaction and vascular reaction to irradiation. It was concluded that primary consideration should be given to the vascular damage of grafted skin when determining the proper time for postoperative irradiation.