Preparation of Recipient Wound Bed by Ultrasound Therapy for Skin Flaps in Dogs

Abstract

Open wound management, until the wound is considered suitable for reconstruction or until it has healed by second intention, has been the treatment of choice for centuries. The aim of wound healing is to promote rapid wound closure and prevent excess scar formation. Wound healing stimulated an optimum microenvironment for successful reconstruction which can be created by employing modern method such as ultrasound therapy. In the present study, the wounds were treated with Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) using water soluble ultrasound gel for 15 minutes on 0, 3^rd , 7^th  and 14^th day, until a proper and healthy granulation tissue was formed The flaps performed were single pedicle and bipedicle advancement flaps, flank and elbow rotational flap, transposition flap and caudal superficial epigastric flap. The flaps were selected based on the location and site of the wound. Subjective evaluation of wound healing based on the physical observations such as colour, odour and presence of exudates for recipient wound bed and skin flap respectively were performed. Clinical photography, wound planimetry studies were evaluated. Additionally, hematological, bacteriological, biochemical, and histopathological evaluation were done for the recipient wound bed and skin flap. A subjective analysis of vascularity of the donor site was performed through Colour flow Doppler ultrasonography. Ultrasound therapy increased the vascularity and uptake of skin flap through enhanced capillary growth, increased wound strength and hastened wound closure. It also provided better protection of granulated tissue and wound against rupture and infection.