The thrombophilia which can be either congenital or acquired in adult life has major implications in the abdominal vessels. The resulting portal vein thrombosis, Budd-Chiari syndrome and mesenteric vein thrombosis hav...The thrombophilia which can be either congenital or acquired in adult life has major implications in the abdominal vessels. The resulting portal vein thrombosis, Budd-Chiari syndrome and mesenteric vein thrombosis have a variety of consequences ranging from acute abdomen to chronic hepatomegaly and even totally asymp- tomatic patient in whom the only finding is pancytopenia. The complications like esophageal varices, portal gastropathy, ascites, severe hypersplenism, liver failure requiring liver transplantation are well known. Interesting features of collateral venous circulation showing itself as pseudocholangiocarcinoma sign and its possible clinical reflection as cholestasis are also known from a long time. The management strategies for these complications of intraabdominal vessel thrombosis are not different from their counterpart which is cirrhotic portal hypertension, but the prognosis is unquestionably better in former cases. In this review we presented and discussed the abdominal venous thrombosis, etiology and the resulting clinical pictures. There are controversial issues both in nomenclature, and management including anticoagulation problems and follow up strategies. In light of the current knowledge, we discussed some controversial issues in literature and presented our experience and our proposals about this group of patients.展开更多
Lymphangioma is a rare benign condition characterized by proliferation of lymphatic spaces. It is usually found in the head and neck of affected children. Lymphangioma of the small-bowel mesentery is rare, having been...Lymphangioma is a rare benign condition characterized by proliferation of lymphatic spaces. It is usually found in the head and neck of affected children. Lymphangioma of the small-bowel mesentery is rare, having been reported for less than 1% of all lymphangiomas. Importantly, it can cause fatal complications such as volvulus or involvement of the main branch of the mesenteric arteries, requiring emergency surgery. Moreover, the gross and histopathologic findings may resemble benign multicystic mesothelioma and lymphangiomyoma. Immunohistochemical study for factor Ⅷ-related antigen, D2-40, calretinin and human melanoma black-45 (HMB-45) are essential for diagnosis. Factor Ⅷ-related antigen and D2-40 are positive in lymphangioma but negative in benign multicystic mesothelioma. HMB-45 shows positive study in the smooth-muscle cells around the lymphatic spaces of the lymphangiomyoma. We report a case of smallbowel volvulus induced by mesenteric lymphangioma in a 2-year-and-9-mo-old boy who presented with rapid abdominal distension and vomiting. The abdominal computed tomography scan showed a multiseptated mass at the right lower quadrant with a whirllike small-bowel dilatation, suggestive of a mesenteric cyst with midgut volvulus. The intraoperative findings revealed a huge, lobulated, yellowish pink, cystic mass measuring 20 cm × 20 cm × 10 cm, that was originated from the small bowel mesentery with small-bowel volvulus and small-bowel dilatation. Cut surface of the mass revealed multicystic spaces containing a milky white fluid. The patient underwent tumor removal with small-bowel resection and end-to-end anastomosis. Microscopic examination revealed that the cystic walls were lined with flat endothelial cells and comprised of smooth muscle in the walls. The flat endothelial cells were positive for factor Ⅷ-related antigen and D2-40 but negative for calretinin. HMB-45 showed negative study in the smooth-muscle cells around the lymphatic spaces. Thus, the diagnosis was lymphangioma of the small bowel mesentery with associated small bowel volvulus.展开更多
We herein describe the case of a 27-year-old female, who presented with a large mass of the upper left abdominal cavity discovered incidentally, through an annual health examination. Preoperative studies including abd...We herein describe the case of a 27-year-old female, who presented with a large mass of the upper left abdominal cavity discovered incidentally, through an annual health examination. Preoperative studies including abdominal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed, but they could not accurately determine the nature of the tumor. At laparotomy, a large cystic tumor of the small bowel mesentery was found. Histopathologic examination diagnosed the tumor as a cystic lymphangioma.Although lymphangiomas are rare, especially in the abdomen of adults, they may sometimes present as acute abdomen,causing complications that require emergent surgery.展开更多
Lymphangioma usually occurs in children and usually involves the skin. Mesenteric lymphangioma is extremely rare in adults. Typically, lymphangioma appears on computed tomography (CT) as a lower attenuation of a cysti...Lymphangioma usually occurs in children and usually involves the skin. Mesenteric lymphangioma is extremely rare in adults. Typically, lymphangioma appears on computed tomography (CT) as a lower attenuation of a cystic mass, however, some cases appear to be a solid mass. We describe the CT and 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/CT appearance in a case of jejunal and mesenteric cavernous lymphangi-omatosis mimicking metastasis in an adult patient with rectal cancer.展开更多
AIM: To present a case of acute mesenteric and portal vein thrombosis treated with thrombolytic therapy in a patient with ulcerative colitis in acute phase and to review the literature on thrombolytic therapy of mesen...AIM: To present a case of acute mesenteric and portal vein thrombosis treated with thrombolytic therapy in a patient with ulcerative colitis in acute phase and to review the literature on thrombolytic therapy of mesenteric-portal system. Treatment of acute portal vein thrombosis has ranged from conservative treatment with thrombolysis and anticoagulation therapy to surgical treatment with thrombectomy and/or intestinal resection.METHODS: We treated our patient with intraportal infusion of plasminogen activator and then heparin through a percutaneous transhepatic catheter.RESULTS: Thrombus resolved despite premature interruption of the thrombolytic treatment for neurological complications, which subsequently resolved.CONCLUSION: Conservative management with plasminogen activator, could be considered as a good treatment for patients with acute porto-mesenteric thrombosis.展开更多
AIM： To determine the distance between the branching point of the left colic artery （LCA） and the inferior mesenteric artery （IMA） by computed tomography （CT） scanning, for preoperative evaluation before laparo...AIM： To determine the distance between the branching point of the left colic artery （LCA） and the inferior mesenteric artery （IMA） by computed tomography （CT） scanning, for preoperative evaluation before laparoscopic colorectal operation. METHODS： From February 2004 to May 2005, 100 patients （63 men, 37 women） underwent angiography performed with a 16-scanner multi-detector row CT unit （Toshiba, Aquilion 16）. All images were analyzed on a workstation （AZE Ltd, Virtual Place Advance 300）. The distance from the root of the IMA to the bifurcation of the LCA was measured by curved multi-planar reconstruction on a workstation. RESULTS： The IMA could be visualized in all the cases, but the LCA was missing in two patients. The mean distance from the root of the IMA to the root of the LCA was 42.0 mm （range, 23.2-75.0 mm）. There were no differences in gender, arterial branching types, body weight, height, and body mass index. CONCLUSION： Volume-rendered 3D-CT is helpful to assess the vascular branching anatomy for laparoscopic surgery.展开更多
Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical value of superior mesenteric vascular intrathecal approach in right hemicolectomy. Methods: We retrospectively studied the clinical data of 132 patients ...Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical value of superior mesenteric vascular intrathecal approach in right hemicolectomy. Methods: We retrospectively studied the clinical data of 132 patients who had right hemicolectomy from June 2007 to June 2010, including 68 cases with superior mesenteric vascular intrathecal approach to resect specimen, and compared the operation time, blood loss, hospital stay and the number of dissected lymph nodes with patients treated with conventional surgery. Results: Compared the vascular intrathecal approach with conventional approach, the operation time and blood loss were decreased significantly, the number of Dukes C No. 3 lymph node dissection was increased, while the incidence of postoperative complications and hospital stay were equivalent to traditional surgery group. Conclusion: The use of vascular intrathecal approach in right hemicolectomy can significantly shorten the operation time and reduce bleeding and improve surgical radical outcomes.展开更多
An extremely rare case of persistent omphalomesenteric duct causing small bowel obstruction is presented. A 20-year-old female patient without medical history presented with colicky abdominal pain, vomiting, absence o...An extremely rare case of persistent omphalomesenteric duct causing small bowel obstruction is presented. A 20-year-old female patient without medical history presented with colicky abdominal pain, vomiting, absence of passage of gas and feces, and abdominal distension of 24 h duration. Physical examination and blood tests were normal. Abdominal X-ray showed small bowel obstruction. Computed tomography of the abdomen demonstrated dilated small bowel and a band originating from the umbilicus and continuing between the small bowel loops; an omphalomesenteric duct remnant was suspected. In exploratory laparotomy, persistent omphalomesenteric duct causing small bowel obstruction was identified and resected. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on the 5^th postoperative day. Although persistent omphalomesenteric duct is an extremely infrequent cause of small bowel obstruction in adult patients, it should be taken into consideration in patients without any previous surgical history.展开更多
Very rare cases of varices involving right side colon were reported. Most of them were due to cirrhotic portal hypertension or other primary causes. No report case contributed to pancreatic cancer. Here, we reported a...Very rare cases of varices involving right side colon were reported. Most of them were due to cirrhotic portal hypertension or other primary causes. No report case contributed to pancreatic cancer. Here, we reported a case of uncinate pancreatic cancer with the initial finding of isolated hepatic flexure colon varices. Following studies confirmed isolated varices involving hepatic flexure colon due to pancreatic cancer with occlusion of superior mesenteric vein. From this report, superior mesenteric vein occlusion caused by uncinate pancreatic head cancer should be considered as a differential diagnosis of colon varices.展开更多
Objective:To investigate clinicopathological features,diagnosis and treatment of anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas and to review relevant literature on this entity. Methods:A retrospective clinical analysis was mad...Objective:To investigate clinicopathological features,diagnosis and treatment of anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas and to review relevant literature on this entity. Methods:A retrospective clinical analysis was made in 6 cases of anaplastic pancreatic carcinomas admitted from 1989 to 2001. Results:Anaplastic pancreatic carcinoma was found in 5 men and 1 woman with a mean age of 61.5 years.Tumor location was in the head of the pancreas in 3 patients,body and tail in 3 cases.Tumors were surgically resected in all patients,by pancreaticoduodenectomy in 1,by pancreaticoduodenectomy combined resection and reconstruction of superior mesenteric vein(SMV) in 1,by pancreaticoduodenectomy combined resection and reconstruction of SMV and superior mesenteric artery(SMA) in 1,by distal pancreatectomy in 2,by distal pancreatectomy combined total gastrotectomy in 1.Liver metastasis was found in one patient.Follow-up suggested the prognosis was poor with a mean survival of 5.5 months after operation.All patients were dead with tumor recurrence and liver metastasis. Conclusion:Histologically,anaplastic pancreatic carcinoma is characterized by pleomorphic cell carcinoma consisting of pleomorphic giant/small cells and spindle cells,or osteoclast-like giant cell tumor composed of pleomorphic small cells,or pleomorphic giant cell carcinoma with osteoclastoid giant cells,and demonstrates aggressive biological behavior.Invasions to adjoined organ and metastasis are usual.The prognosis of this tumor appears to be very poor.展开更多
Objective To assess the clinical value of duodenal circular drainage operation to treat superior mesenterie artery syndrome（SMAS）. Methods Forty two cases of SMAS were treated with duodenal circular drainage operati...Objective To assess the clinical value of duodenal circular drainage operation to treat superior mesenterie artery syndrome（SMAS）. Methods Forty two cases of SMAS were treated with duodenal circular drainage operation from 1959 to 2001. Clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. Results In this group, 37 cases were treated with duodenal circular drainage operation,and had good effect after follow- up of 1-15 years, the other 5 cases were first treated with anterior repositioning of the duodenum （ 1 case）, gastroieiunostomy （ 1 case）, duodeojejunostomy （2 cases）, subtotal gastrectomy and Billroth 11 gastrojejunostomy（1 case） ,but vomiting was not relieved until duodenal circular drainage operation was performed again. Follow - up of 9- 10 years revealed good effect. Conclusion In SMAS, if the reversed peristalsis is stronger and continuous, and vomiting appears frequently, the symptom can not be relieved even if the obstruction of duodenum is removed by operation. The key treatment is the relief of reversed peristalsis. Only the duodenal circular drainage operation could resolve the drainage direction of duodenal content and relieve the symptom of vomiting.展开更多
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of moxibustion on Zusanli(ST 36) on visceral-mesenteric vesselsbyobservingcirculation.METHODS: Forty-five SD rats were randomly assigned to a moxibustion, electroacupuncture(EA),an...OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of moxibustion on Zusanli(ST 36) on visceral-mesenteric vesselsbyobservingcirculation.METHODS: Forty-five SD rats were randomly assigned to a moxibustion, electroacupuncture(EA),and blank group. In the moxibustion group, heat stimulation of moxibustion to the Zusanli(ST36)area of normal rats was performed for 15 min. In the EA group, needles were inserted into the Zusanli(ST36)and later alpoint[0.5 cm lateral from Zusanli(ST 36)] for 15 min. The blank group was not given any treatment. We continuously monitored mesenteric microvascular changes with invivo microscopicvideo.RESULTS:Moxibustion and EA to Zusanli(ST 36) increase the diameter of mesenteric arterioles and venules(P<0.05). There were no obvious changes in the blank group. Fine arterial diameter peaked at12 min in the moxibustion group, while it peaked at15 min in the EA group.CONCLUSION:The stimulation of moxibustion and acupuncture to Zusanli(ST 36) has immediate effects on expanding the microvasculature. This dilation may be the mechanism of the gastrointestinal effect of Zusanli(ST36).展开更多
基金Supported by Hacettepe University Office of Scientific Research Center
文摘The thrombophilia which can be either congenital or acquired in adult life has major implications in the abdominal vessels. The resulting portal vein thrombosis, Budd-Chiari syndrome and mesenteric vein thrombosis have a variety of consequences ranging from acute abdomen to chronic hepatomegaly and even totally asymp- tomatic patient in whom the only finding is pancytopenia. The complications like esophageal varices, portal gastropathy, ascites, severe hypersplenism, liver failure requiring liver transplantation are well known. Interesting features of collateral venous circulation showing itself as pseudocholangiocarcinoma sign and its possible clinical reflection as cholestasis are also known from a long time. The management strategies for these complications of intraabdominal vessel thrombosis are not different from their counterpart which is cirrhotic portal hypertension, but the prognosis is unquestionably better in former cases. In this review we presented and discussed the abdominal venous thrombosis, etiology and the resulting clinical pictures. There are controversial issues both in nomenclature, and management including anticoagulation problems and follow up strategies. In light of the current knowledge, we discussed some controversial issues in literature and presented our experience and our proposals about this group of patients.
文摘Lymphangioma is a rare benign condition characterized by proliferation of lymphatic spaces. It is usually found in the head and neck of affected children. Lymphangioma of the small-bowel mesentery is rare, having been reported for less than 1% of all lymphangiomas. Importantly, it can cause fatal complications such as volvulus or involvement of the main branch of the mesenteric arteries, requiring emergency surgery. Moreover, the gross and histopathologic findings may resemble benign multicystic mesothelioma and lymphangiomyoma. Immunohistochemical study for factor Ⅷ-related antigen, D2-40, calretinin and human melanoma black-45 (HMB-45) are essential for diagnosis. Factor Ⅷ-related antigen and D2-40 are positive in lymphangioma but negative in benign multicystic mesothelioma. HMB-45 shows positive study in the smooth-muscle cells around the lymphatic spaces of the lymphangiomyoma. We report a case of smallbowel volvulus induced by mesenteric lymphangioma in a 2-year-and-9-mo-old boy who presented with rapid abdominal distension and vomiting. The abdominal computed tomography scan showed a multiseptated mass at the right lower quadrant with a whirllike small-bowel dilatation, suggestive of a mesenteric cyst with midgut volvulus. The intraoperative findings revealed a huge, lobulated, yellowish pink, cystic mass measuring 20 cm × 20 cm × 10 cm, that was originated from the small bowel mesentery with small-bowel volvulus and small-bowel dilatation. Cut surface of the mass revealed multicystic spaces containing a milky white fluid. The patient underwent tumor removal with small-bowel resection and end-to-end anastomosis. Microscopic examination revealed that the cystic walls were lined with flat endothelial cells and comprised of smooth muscle in the walls. The flat endothelial cells were positive for factor Ⅷ-related antigen and D2-40 but negative for calretinin. HMB-45 showed negative study in the smooth-muscle cells around the lymphatic spaces. Thus, the diagnosis was lymphangioma of the small bowel mesentery with associated small bowel volvulus.
文摘We herein describe the case of a 27-year-old female, who presented with a large mass of the upper left abdominal cavity discovered incidentally, through an annual health examination. Preoperative studies including abdominal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed, but they could not accurately determine the nature of the tumor. At laparotomy, a large cystic tumor of the small bowel mesentery was found. Histopathologic examination diagnosed the tumor as a cystic lymphangioma.Although lymphangiomas are rare, especially in the abdomen of adults, they may sometimes present as acute abdomen,causing complications that require emergent surgery.
文摘Lymphangioma usually occurs in children and usually involves the skin. Mesenteric lymphangioma is extremely rare in adults. Typically, lymphangioma appears on computed tomography (CT) as a lower attenuation of a cystic mass, however, some cases appear to be a solid mass. We describe the CT and 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/CT appearance in a case of jejunal and mesenteric cavernous lymphangi-omatosis mimicking metastasis in an adult patient with rectal cancer.
文摘AIM: To present a case of acute mesenteric and portal vein thrombosis treated with thrombolytic therapy in a patient with ulcerative colitis in acute phase and to review the literature on thrombolytic therapy of mesenteric-portal system. Treatment of acute portal vein thrombosis has ranged from conservative treatment with thrombolysis and anticoagulation therapy to surgical treatment with thrombectomy and/or intestinal resection.METHODS: We treated our patient with intraportal infusion of plasminogen activator and then heparin through a percutaneous transhepatic catheter.RESULTS: Thrombus resolved despite premature interruption of the thrombolytic treatment for neurological complications, which subsequently resolved.CONCLUSION: Conservative management with plasminogen activator, could be considered as a good treatment for patients with acute porto-mesenteric thrombosis.
基金Supported by Kobayashi Magobe Memorial Medical Foundation
文摘AIM： To determine the distance between the branching point of the left colic artery （LCA） and the inferior mesenteric artery （IMA） by computed tomography （CT） scanning, for preoperative evaluation before laparoscopic colorectal operation. METHODS： From February 2004 to May 2005, 100 patients （63 men, 37 women） underwent angiography performed with a 16-scanner multi-detector row CT unit （Toshiba, Aquilion 16）. All images were analyzed on a workstation （AZE Ltd, Virtual Place Advance 300）. The distance from the root of the IMA to the bifurcation of the LCA was measured by curved multi-planar reconstruction on a workstation. RESULTS： The IMA could be visualized in all the cases, but the LCA was missing in two patients. The mean distance from the root of the IMA to the root of the LCA was 42.0 mm （range, 23.2-75.0 mm）. There were no differences in gender, arterial branching types, body weight, height, and body mass index. CONCLUSION： Volume-rendered 3D-CT is helpful to assess the vascular branching anatomy for laparoscopic surgery.
文摘Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical value of superior mesenteric vascular intrathecal approach in right hemicolectomy. Methods: We retrospectively studied the clinical data of 132 patients who had right hemicolectomy from June 2007 to June 2010, including 68 cases with superior mesenteric vascular intrathecal approach to resect specimen, and compared the operation time, blood loss, hospital stay and the number of dissected lymph nodes with patients treated with conventional surgery. Results: Compared the vascular intrathecal approach with conventional approach, the operation time and blood loss were decreased significantly, the number of Dukes C No. 3 lymph node dissection was increased, while the incidence of postoperative complications and hospital stay were equivalent to traditional surgery group. Conclusion: The use of vascular intrathecal approach in right hemicolectomy can significantly shorten the operation time and reduce bleeding and improve surgical radical outcomes.
文摘An extremely rare case of persistent omphalomesenteric duct causing small bowel obstruction is presented. A 20-year-old female patient without medical history presented with colicky abdominal pain, vomiting, absence of passage of gas and feces, and abdominal distension of 24 h duration. Physical examination and blood tests were normal. Abdominal X-ray showed small bowel obstruction. Computed tomography of the abdomen demonstrated dilated small bowel and a band originating from the umbilicus and continuing between the small bowel loops; an omphalomesenteric duct remnant was suspected. In exploratory laparotomy, persistent omphalomesenteric duct causing small bowel obstruction was identified and resected. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on the 5^th postoperative day. Although persistent omphalomesenteric duct is an extremely infrequent cause of small bowel obstruction in adult patients, it should be taken into consideration in patients without any previous surgical history.
文摘Very rare cases of varices involving right side colon were reported. Most of them were due to cirrhotic portal hypertension or other primary causes. No report case contributed to pancreatic cancer. Here, we reported a case of uncinate pancreatic cancer with the initial finding of isolated hepatic flexure colon varices. Following studies confirmed isolated varices involving hepatic flexure colon due to pancreatic cancer with occlusion of superior mesenteric vein. From this report, superior mesenteric vein occlusion caused by uncinate pancreatic head cancer should be considered as a differential diagnosis of colon varices.
基金Supported in part by National Natural Science Foundationof China(No.30200275)
文摘Objective:To investigate clinicopathological features,diagnosis and treatment of anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas and to review relevant literature on this entity. Methods:A retrospective clinical analysis was made in 6 cases of anaplastic pancreatic carcinomas admitted from 1989 to 2001. Results:Anaplastic pancreatic carcinoma was found in 5 men and 1 woman with a mean age of 61.5 years.Tumor location was in the head of the pancreas in 3 patients,body and tail in 3 cases.Tumors were surgically resected in all patients,by pancreaticoduodenectomy in 1,by pancreaticoduodenectomy combined resection and reconstruction of superior mesenteric vein(SMV) in 1,by pancreaticoduodenectomy combined resection and reconstruction of SMV and superior mesenteric artery(SMA) in 1,by distal pancreatectomy in 2,by distal pancreatectomy combined total gastrotectomy in 1.Liver metastasis was found in one patient.Follow-up suggested the prognosis was poor with a mean survival of 5.5 months after operation.All patients were dead with tumor recurrence and liver metastasis. Conclusion:Histologically,anaplastic pancreatic carcinoma is characterized by pleomorphic cell carcinoma consisting of pleomorphic giant/small cells and spindle cells,or osteoclast-like giant cell tumor composed of pleomorphic small cells,or pleomorphic giant cell carcinoma with osteoclastoid giant cells,and demonstrates aggressive biological behavior.Invasions to adjoined organ and metastasis are usual.The prognosis of this tumor appears to be very poor.
文摘Objective To assess the clinical value of duodenal circular drainage operation to treat superior mesenterie artery syndrome（SMAS）. Methods Forty two cases of SMAS were treated with duodenal circular drainage operation from 1959 to 2001. Clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. Results In this group, 37 cases were treated with duodenal circular drainage operation,and had good effect after follow- up of 1-15 years, the other 5 cases were first treated with anterior repositioning of the duodenum （ 1 case）, gastroieiunostomy （ 1 case）, duodeojejunostomy （2 cases）, subtotal gastrectomy and Billroth 11 gastrojejunostomy（1 case） ,but vomiting was not relieved until duodenal circular drainage operation was performed again. Follow - up of 9- 10 years revealed good effect. Conclusion In SMAS, if the reversed peristalsis is stronger and continuous, and vomiting appears frequently, the symptom can not be relieved even if the obstruction of duodenum is removed by operation. The key treatment is the relief of reversed peristalsis. Only the duodenal circular drainage operation could resolve the drainage direction of duodenal content and relieve the symptom of vomiting.
基金Supported by Natural Science Foundation-funded Project:the Discussion of Laws And Mechanisms of Moxibustion Zusanli(ST 36)To Stimulate Research Targeted Surface Thermal Effects(No.30973795)
文摘OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of moxibustion on Zusanli(ST 36) on visceral-mesenteric vesselsbyobservingcirculation.METHODS: Forty-five SD rats were randomly assigned to a moxibustion, electroacupuncture(EA),and blank group. In the moxibustion group, heat stimulation of moxibustion to the Zusanli(ST36)area of normal rats was performed for 15 min. In the EA group, needles were inserted into the Zusanli(ST36)and later alpoint[0.5 cm lateral from Zusanli(ST 36)] for 15 min. The blank group was not given any treatment. We continuously monitored mesenteric microvascular changes with invivo microscopicvideo.RESULTS:Moxibustion and EA to Zusanli(ST 36) increase the diameter of mesenteric arterioles and venules(P<0.05). There were no obvious changes in the blank group. Fine arterial diameter peaked at12 min in the moxibustion group, while it peaked at15 min in the EA group.CONCLUSION:The stimulation of moxibustion and acupuncture to Zusanli(ST 36) has immediate effects on expanding the microvasculature. This dilation may be the mechanism of the gastrointestinal effect of Zusanli(ST36).
