The use of acupuncture-like electrical stimulation for wound healing of lesions unresponsive to conventional treatment.
Based on previous experimental evidence suggesting improved healing of wounds treated with electrical stimulation, we conducted a clinical trial with patients seeking alternative medicine after unsuccessful conventional medical treatment. Electricity was delivered in two forms: (1) For wounds with extensive loss of tissue and/or those that had failed to heal spontaneously, electrical stimulation was delivered via subcutaneously inserted needles surrounding the wound edges and applying a dose charge of 0.6 coulombs/cm2/day; (2) in second degree burn injuries, lesions were covered with gauze soaked in a 10% (w/v) sterile saline solution and the same dose of electricity was applied as for (1). Forty-four patients were treated with electrical stimulation of the skin; 34 in group (1) and 10 in group (2). Following electrostimulation in all patients in both groups healing proceeded in a thoroughly organized manner, almost regardless of the severity of the type of wound or burn treated. Advantages and limitations of this technique are discussed.
Sumano
H
H
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City. sumanoh@prodigy.net.mx
Mateos
G
G
D000818:Animals; D002056:Burns / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D004285:Dogs; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D015671:Electroacupuncture; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012883:Skin Ulcer / Q000628:therapy*; D014945:Wound Healing