Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shuxuetong Injection on Random Skin Flap Survival in Rats

BACKGROUND A Shuxuetong injection is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat "blood stasis and stagnation" (yu xue yu zhi). We investigated the effect of such injection on the survival of random skin flaps. METHODS McFarlane flaps were established in 60 rats divided into two groups. Postoperative celiac injections were given to both groups for 7 days. Shuxuetong was injected into the test group, and saline was injected into controls. On day 7, tissues were stained with H&E (hematoxylin-eosin) stain, immunohistochemically evaluated, and the expression levels of xanthine oxidase were determined. RESULT The mean area of flap survival in the test group was significantly higher than in controls. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and superoxide dismutase, and microvessel development, were markedly increased in the test group, and the malondialdehyde level was reduced. CONCLUSION Shuxuetong promotes random skin flap survival.