Effects of High-Voltage Electrical Stimulation in Improving the Viability of Musculocutaneous Flaps in Rats

BACKGROUNDThe musculocutaneous flap of the transverse rectus abdominis muscle is a technique used for breast reconstruction, and one of the complications of this procedure is tissue necrosis. The objective of the study is to determine the effect of high-voltage electrical stimulation (HVES) in the transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap in rats. METHODSFourteen rats underwent surgery for obtaining the flap. The rats were distributed into 2 homogeneous groupsgroup 1 underwent both surgery and the use of HVES, whereas group 2 underwent just the surgery (control). Electrical stimulation was applied immediately after surgery and for 2 consecutive days. The percentage of necrotic area was analyzed using the Image J software, and blood flow was assessed by infrared thermography in different regions of the flap, divided into 4 zones according to the proximity of the pedicle of the inferior epigastric artery. RESULTSThe results were analyzed using a Student t test, where group 1 experienced a necrotic area of 26.2%, and group 2 had an area of 54.5%. Regarding the temperature, the 2 groups showed increase in the minimum and maximum temperature on the fourth postoperative day. CONCLUSIONThe HVES appeared to have a positive influence on the viability of the flap.