Low level laser and High Volt Electrical Stimulation on viability of flap musculofasciocutanneous transverse rectus abdominis in rats submitted to action of nicotine.

Abstract

In aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, when there are indications of performing skin flap, necrosis is the major complication that can lead to treatment failure. Several authors have investigated the deleterious effects of cigarette smoke or nicotine alone on the skin flaps, with a proven increase in the area of necrosis in the flap. The objective of this study was to investigate low intensity laser and high voltage electrical stimulation on the viability of the TRAM flap in rats subjected to the action of nicotine. Will be used 60 albino rats - rats, randomly divided into 6 groups of 10 animals: Group 1 - (control) were subjected only to surgical technique, to obtain the flap transverse rectus abdominis, which suffer simulation of laser irradiation; Group 2 (control)- similar to group 1, whiGrch suffer simulation of estimulation electrical high volt; Group 3 - similar to group 1, subcutaneous injection of nicotine in a dose of 2mg/kg/2x/day for 4 weeks before surgery, Group 4 - similar to group 2, whose remnants are subjected to irradiation 830nm laser diode, Group 5 - similar to group 2, whose flaps will be submitted to 660 nm laser irradiation; Group 6 - similar to group 2, whose flaps will be submitted to high voltage electrical stimulation. Laser application and high voltage electrical stimulation will occur immediately after surgery and for 2 subsequent days. Analysis will be conducted by paper template to calculate the percentage of necrotic area. Samples will be collected for analysis of mast cells, fibroblasts, VEGF. There will also be photos with machine FLIR T300 (thermography) to analyze the temperature of the flaps, and thus evaluate blood flow. The results will be statistically analyzed by ANOVA and post-test.