title: Effects of High-Voltage Electrical Stimulation in Improving the Viability of Musculocutaneous Flaps in Rats.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen rats underwent surgery for obtaining the flap. The rats were distributed into 2 homogeneous groups: group 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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The HVES appeared to have a positive influence on the viability of the flap.
authors.affiliation: From the *Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Sao Paulo University, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo; and †Federal University of Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
authors.forename: Lais Mara Siqueira das
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Neves
authors.forename: Elaine Caldeira de Oliveira
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Guirro
authors.forename: Fernanda Luiza de Almeida
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Albuquerque
authors.forename: Alexandre Marcio
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Marcolino
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D064827:Myocutaneous Flap / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D009336:Necrosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D017568:Rectus Abdominis / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome