The Advantage of the Skin Flap Survival Effected by Moxibustion Stimulation / 日本東洋医学雑誌

ABSTRACT

Augmentation of skin flap survival remains one of the principle concerns in the field of reconstructive plastic surgery. Moxibustion was thought to have potential in this area because it is known to induce proliferation of the blood capillaries of the skin. The authors therefore investigated the effects of moxibustion on skin flap survival in rats.<br>Male Wistar rats of about 200g were divided into four groups Group I was stimulated before the operation, II after the operation, III both before and after the operation and Group IV served as an unstimulated control. Ten spots were selected for five days of stimulation with moxibustion (Kamayamini) on the skin flap, however, no stimulation was given the day before or the day of the operation. The caudal skin flap (9cm×3cm) was made under pentobarbital anesthesia (intraperitoneal; 26m<i>l</i>/kg).<br>A significant increase in the survival area in Groups I and II when compared with Group IV. It was therefore concluded that stimulation with moxibustion may be a valuable method of improving skin flap survival. For clinical application, further improvements such as exclusion of scar formation may be necessary.