Hypnosis Influence on the Perfusion in Perforator Flaps in Early Postoperative Period: A Series of 18 Cases

In practice worldwide, there are experiences affecting different body functions via central control mechanisms with the help of psychotherapy methods. In plastic and reconstructive surgery, there is the experience of applying hypnosis, with the main goal of eliminating pain. The aim of this research is to study the impact of hypnosis on the perfusion level in perforator flaps in the early postoperative period, which could enhance flap survival.

For studying the impact of hypnosis on blood circulation in perforator flaps, the analysis of a 18 cases has been conducted. All patients had hypnosis sessions on the second day after the reconstruction, and some had additional sessions on the third and fifth days. In the state of trance, the patient was given specially organized instructions aimed at improvement of perforator flap perfusion. Monitoring of microcirculation in the flap during hypnosis sessions was carried out using a Moor VMS-LDF1 Laser Doppler Perfusion and Temperature Monitor.

When applying hypnosis, the vast majority of patients had significant increases in perfusion as well as flap surface temperature rise. Most of the patients had significant increases in perfusion during the second part of the hypnosis session in synchrony with hypnosis instruction translation aimed at increasing perfusion.

The results of our research cannot be distributed widely in medical practice, but, despite that, they illustrate the central nervous system influence on perforator flap perfusion. Including hypnosis in a medical protocol can contribute to increasing the effectiveness of flap surgery.