Course Of Healing Research Articles

MicroCT angiography detects vascular formation and regression in skin wound healing

Properly regulated angiogenesis and arteriogenesis are essential for effective wound healing. Tissue injury induces robust new vessel formation and subsequent vessel maturation, which involves vessel regression and remodeling. Although formation of functional vasculature is essential for healing, alterations in vascular structure over the time course of skin wound healing are not well understood. Here, using high-resolution ex vivo X-ray micro-computed tomography (microCT), we describe the vascular network during healing of skin excisional wounds with highly detailed three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed images and associated quantitative analysis. We found that relative vessel volume, surface area and branching number are significantly decreased in wounds from day 7 to days 14 and 21. Segmentation and skeletonization analysis of selected branches from high-resolution images as small as 2.5μm voxel size show that branching orders are decreased in the wound vessels during healing. In histological analysis, we found that the contrast agent fills mainly arterioles, but not small capillaries nor large veins. In summary, high-resolution microCT revealed dynamic alterations of vessel structures during wound healing. This technique may be useful as a key tool in the study of the formation and regression of wound vessels.

Wound Healing Concepts in Clinical Practice of OMFS

Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process and a thorough knowledge of the basics of physiology of wound healing is a must to implement principles of chronic wound care. Understanding wound healing at multiple levels-biochemical, physiologic, cellular and molecular provides the surgeon with a framework for basing clinical decisions aimed at optimizing the healing response. This review article describes the classification of wounds and aims to highlight the fundamentals of wound repair, enumerating the dressings used commonly and also, the newer concepts of wound healing. Search engines and medical databases were tapped to gather information on the subject. Search words employed were "Wounds", "wounds in OSMF", "Wound healing", "Repair", "Dressings in OMFS". The search resulted in total of 153 articles which we reviewed to add to the literature the concepts of wound healing and to throw some light on recent advances in wound care. Wound healing remains a challenging clinical problem and correct, efficient wound management is essential to positively influence the wound healing course and reduce potential complications.

TREATMENT OF EXTENSIVE PURULENT-NECROTIC LESIONS OF THE LEG IN PATIENTS WITH NEUROPATHIC FORM OF DIABETIC FOOT SYNDROME

Актуальность. Развитие гнойно-некротических осложнений у больных с синдромом диабетической стопы (СДС) является причиной высоких ампутаций и ранней инвалидизации, что в свою очередь приводит к развитию метаболического синдрома и прогрессированию сердечно-сосудистых осложнений. В настоящее время способы лечения гнойно-некротических процессов при СДС направлены на сохранение опорной функции конечности. Наличие обширной гнойно-некротической раны голени – фактор риска появления показаний к высокой ампутации. Цель – разработка алгоритма лечения обширных гнойно-некротических ран голени у больных с нейропатической формой СДС. Материал и методы. В областном центре «Диабетическая стопа» на базе Видновской районной клинической больницы за период с 2009 по 2013 г. были проанализированы результаты лечения 62 пациентов с нейропатической формой СДС и наличием обширных гнойно-некротических ран голени. Всем больным проводилось хирургическое вмешательство, а также комплексная консервативная терапия. Лечение разделялось на несколько этапов: очищение раны до появления грануляционной ткани – выполнение аутодермопластики – стимуляция эпителизации. Эффективность лечения оценивали по срокам очищения раны, появления грануляций, эпителизации, количеству высоких ампутаций. Результаты. Больным выполнялись радикальные хирургические операции с пересечением путей распространения в проксимальном направлении гнойной инфекции с последующим открытым ведением раны. В последующем проводились этапные некрэктомии совместно с консервативной терапией, направленной на очищение раны. Средние сроки очищения раны составили 10,6±1,2 суток. Формирование грануляционной ткани происходило через 8,4±0,8 суток после первого оперативного вмешательства. При появлении очищенной грануляционной ткани пациентам выполнялась аутодермопластика свободным расщепленным лоскутом для стимуляции процесса эпителизации. Процесс эпителизации начинался через 10,2±0,6 суток. При поступлении, на 4-е и на 10-е сутки после первого оперативного вмешательства выполнялось измерение индекса лейкоцитарной инфильтрации. Нормализация этого показателя во время лечения свидетельствует об очищении раны и удовлетворительном течении раневого процесса. В период с 2009 по 2013 г. была выполнена одна (1,6%) высокая ампутация. Заключение. Активная хирургическая тактика, заключающаяся в иссечении первичного гнойного очага, пересечении гнойных проводящих путей (сухожилия, фасции), открытом ведении раны, последующих этапных некрэктомиях, в комплексе с консервативной терапией способствует максимальному очищению раны, снижению уровня интоксикации, активации репаративного процесса. Своевременное выполнение аутодермопластики ускоряет процесс эпителизации и заживления раны.

The arresting phase determines the total healing time of a locally irradiated skin wound in swine

ObjectiveRadiation is an important cause of delayed wound healing, and there still exist many questions regarding the patterns and mechanisms of wound healing. This study investigated the characteristics of wound healing after varying doses of local radiation and explored possible causes of the delay in healing caused by radiation. Methods:A full-thickness dorsal longitudinal skin tissue, 2cm in diameter, was excised after local irradiation on one side of the back of swine, and the other side was wounded as a control. The size of the wound area was recorded every two days after injury. Pathological changes, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA, immunohisto-chemistry) and apoptosis levels (TUNEL assay) were measured at different time points after wounding. ResultsThe course of wound healing can be divided into four phases, namely: the arresting phase, the healing priming phase, the fast healing phase, and the healed phase. Although the total wound healing time was closely correlated to the dose of irradiation (R2= 0.9758), it was more dependent on the length of the arresting phase (R2=0.9903) because once the arresting phase ended, the wound healed at a similar speed regardless of radiation doses. Pathological analysis showed that compared with the control side there were more necrotic tissues, slower epithelial crawling, as well as fewer blood vessels and cellular components in the irradiated side at the arresting phase, while other phases revealed no significant difference concerning these measurements. Immunohistochemistry showed that the irradiated wounds had significantly less PCNA-positive and more TUNEL-positive labeling of cells in the arresting phase than in other phases. Moreover, the changes were positively related to the radiation doses, but there was no obvious difference in cell proliferation or apoptosis among the healing priming phase, fast healing phase or healed phase, whether on the control side or on the irradiated side. ConclusionsAfter local irradiation, the length of the arresting phase determines the wound healing time. Increased apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation might be an important reason for the formation of the arresting phase.

A computational model to explore the role of angiogenic impairment on endochondral ossification during fracture healing.

While it is well established that an adequate blood supply is critical to successful bone regeneration, it remains poorly understood how progenitor cell fate is affected by the altered conditions present in fractures with disrupted vasculature. In this study, computational models were used to explore how angiogenic impairment impacts oxygen availability within a fracture callus and hence regulates mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation and bone regeneration. Tissue differentiation was predicted using a previously developed algorithm which assumed that MSC fate is governed by oxygen tension and substrate stiffness. This model was updated based on the hypothesis that cell death, chondrocyte hypertrophy and endochondral ossification are regulated by oxygen availability. To test this, the updated model was used to simulate the time course of normal fracture healing, where it successfully predicted the observed quantity and spatial distribution of bone and cartilage at 10 and 20days post-fracture (dpf). It also predicted the ratio of cartilage which had become hypertrophic at 10dpf. Following this, three models of fracture healing with increasing levels of angiogenic impairment were developed. Under mild impairment, the model predicted experimentally observed reductions in hypertrophic cartilage at 10dpf as well as the persistence of cartilage at 20dpf. Models of more severe impairment predicted apoptosis and the development of fibrous tissue. These results provide insight into how factors specific to an ischemic callus regulate tissue regeneration and provide support for the hypothesis that chondrocyte hypertrophy and endochondral ossification during tissue regeneration are inhibited by low oxygen.

Design of the DSC1 Skin Colorimeter: Pilot Testing on Hypertrophic Burn Scars

Abstract: In this paper the methodology of objective assessment of scar pigmentation and its temporal evolution based on data obtained by a prototype of the DSC1 (Detection of Scar Color) skin colorimeter is discussed. The primary goal is an objective grading of pigmentation of hypertrophic scars after healing of deep burns which often result in pigmentation disorder. In the course of scar maturation, pigmentation is adjusted spontaneously in some patients. In case that the pigmentation disorder persists over a long period of time and the patient asks for a correction, various means of treatment can be used (e.g. local unpigmentation, laser therapy, etc.). Comprehensive monitoring of the development and course of healing offers usually good visualization of the scars, however, their quantification is difficult which makes the use of objective methods, e.g. the skin colorimeter, desirable. The functionality of the DSC1 skin colorimeter is demonstrated on the results of clinical measurements.

Stridor at Birth: Congenital Laryngeal Web

Stridor at Birth: Congenital Laryngeal Web

Changes in Serum Level of Vitamin D During Healing of Tibial and Femoral Shaft Fractures.

Dear Editor, We read with interest the article by Ettehad et al. (1), in which the authors provide a detailed discussion of the variations in serum vitamin D levels during the course of fracture healing. We have a few considerations regarding this study. The authors have not mentioned the treatment modalities used for these fractured limbs. Operatively managed fractures are mobilized early; consequently, the serum vitamin D levels of an ambulatory person may differ from those of a bedridden person. Ambulatory persons are also more likely to be exposed to sunlight, and vitamin D 3 (cholecalciferol) is synthesized by the human skin on exposure to the ultraviolet-B radiation of sunlight (2). Both dietary intake and endogenous synthesis contribute to the body’s vitamin D status. Since different factors modulate the extent of endogenous vitamin D formation, quantification is hardly possible. Regarding the objective of this study, the authors mentioned studying the role of vitamin D supplementation in the process of bone formation. However, they have not mentioned whether vitamin D supplementation was started in these patients. In addition, no mention is made regarding the effects of the low measured vitamin D levels on the final results of fracture healing. Tibia and femoral fractures take a longer time to unite, (3), so the serum vitamin D levels at the time of fracture union (i.e., six months and/or at the time of delayed union/non-union) should have been reported to make the study more effective. The levels of vitamin D showed uniform decreases in all age groups and among both genders in the first week, indicating that the fracture healing takes the same course (direct or indirect healing). All persons with fractured bones may not be targets for vitamin D supplementation, and only patients with previously low levels or patients with refractures might benefit from these supplementations (4). Further studies are required to determine the effect of low initial levels of vitamin D on fracture healing. The authors should expand on the present study by checking the levels of vitamin D at the time of radiological or clinical union of the fractures and then checking the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the fracture healing process. Furthermore, refracture in these patients may be an eye opener for developing countries, where we often see hypovitaminosis in the general populations.

TCT-45 Optical Coherence Tomography Assessment of Incidence, Morphological Characteristics, and Spontaneous Healing Course of Edge Dissections Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Stent Implantation in Patients with Non-ST segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Stenting-induced edge dissections (ED) can be assessed in detail by OCT. This study sought to investigate the incidence, morphological characteristics, and spontaneous healing course of optical coherence tomography (OCT) identified EDs following drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation in a Non-ST

Semi-rigid screws provide an auxiliary option to plate working length to control interfragmentary movement in locking plate fixation at the distal femur

BackgroundExtent and orientation of interfragmentary movement (IFM) are crucially affecting course and quality of fracture healing. The effect of different configurations for implant fixation on successful fracture healing remain unclear. We hypothesize that screw type and configuration of locking plate fixation profoundly influences stiffness and IFM for a given load in a distal femur fracture model. MethodsSimple analytical models are presented to elucidate the influence of fixation configuration on construct stiffness. Models were refined with a consistent single-patient-data-set to create finite-element femur models. Locking plate fixation of a distal femoral 10mm-osteotomy (comminution model) was fitted with rigid locking screws (rLS) or semi-rigid locking screws (sLS). Systematic variations of screw placements in the proximal fragment were tested. IFM was quantitatively assessed and compared for different screw placements and screw types. ResultsDifferent screw allocations significantly affect IFM in a locking plate construct. LS placement of the first screw proximal to the fracture (plate working length, PWL) has a significant effect on axial IFM (p < 0.001). Replacing rLS with sLS caused an increase (p < 0.001) of IFM under the plate (cis-cortex) between +8.4% and +28.1% for the tested configurations but remained constant medially (<1.1%, trans-cortex). Resultant shear movements markedly increased at fracture level (p < 0.001) to the extent that plate working length increased. The ratio of shear/axial IFM was found to enhance for longer PWL. sLS versus rLS lead to significantly smaller ratios of shear/axial IFM at the cis-cortex for PWL of ≥62mm (p ≤ 0.003). ConclusionMechanical frame conditions can be significantly influenced by type and placement of the screws in locking plate osteosynthesis of the distal femur. By varying plate working length stiffness and IFM are modulated. Moderate axial and concomitantly low shear IFM could not be achieved through changes in screw placement alone. In the present transverse osteotomy model, ratio of shear/axial IFM with simultaneous moderate axial IFM is optimized by the use of appropriate plate working length of about 42–62mm. Fixation with sLS demonstrated significantly more axial IFM underneath the plate and may further contribute to compensation of asymmetric straining.

Fracture healing redefined

It is well established that local mechanical conditions and interfragmentary movement are important factors for successful bone healing and may vary dramatically with patient fracture-load and activity. Up until now however it was technically impossible to use these key influence parameters in the aftercare treatment process of human lower extremity fractures. We propose a theory that with state of the art sensor technology these biomechanical influences can not only be monitored in vivo, but also used for individualized therapy protocols.Local measurement systems for fracture healing are available but remain research tools, due to various technical issues. To investigate the biomechanical influences on healing right away surrogate sensor tools are needed. Various gait characteristics have been proposed as surrogate measures. Currently available sensor tools could be modified with the appropriate support structure to allow such measurements continuously over the course of a fracture healing. Interdisciplinary work between clinicians, software engineers with computer and biomechanical simulations is needed.Through such a sensor system human boundary conditions for fracture healing could not only be defined for the first time, but also used for a unique, extendible aftercare system. With this tool critical healing situations would be detected much earlier and could be prevented with easy activity modifications, reducing patient and socioeconomic burden of disease. The hypothesis, necessary tools and support structures are presented.

Arachidonic acid‐derived signaling lipids and functions in impaired healing

Very little is known about lipid function during wound healing, and much less during impaired healing. Such understanding will help identify what roles lipid signaling plays in the development of impaired/chronic wounds. We took a lipidomics approach to study the alterations in lipid profile in the LIGHT(-/-) mouse model of impaired healing which has characteristics that resemble those of impaired/chronic wounds in humans, including high levels of oxidative stress, excess inflammation, increased extracellular matrix degradation and blood vessels with fibrin cuffs. The latter suggests excess coagulation and potentially increased platelet aggregation. We show here that in these impaired wounds there is an imbalance in the arachidonic acid (AA) derived eicosonoids that mediate or modulate inflammatory reactions and platelet aggregation. In the LIGHT(-/-) impaired wounds there is a significant increase in enzymatically derived breakdown products of AA. We found that early after injury there was a significant increase in the eicosanoids 11-, 12-, and 15-hydroxyeicosa-tetranoic acid, and the proinflammatory leukotrienes (LTD4 and LTE) and prostaglandins (PGE2 and PGF2α ). Some of these eicosanoids also promote platelet aggregation. This led us to examine the levels of other eicosanoids known to be involved in the latter process. We found that thromboxane (TXA2 /B2 ), and prostacyclins 6kPGF1α are elevated shortly after wounding and in some cases during healing. To determine whether they have an impact in platelet aggregation and hemostasis, we tested LIGHT(-/-) mouse wounds for these two parameters and found that, indeed, platelet aggregation and hemostasis are enhanced in these mice when compared with the control C57BL/6 mice. Understanding lipid signaling in impaired wounds can potentially lead to development of new therapeutics or in using existing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents to help correct the course of healing.

Loss of B cell regulatory function is associated with delayed healing in patients with tibia fracture.

The process of bone regeneration after fracture is a complex and well-orchestrated process usually requiring 3-12 weeks. A subset of patients, however, exhibit delayed healing time and even incomplete restoration of the normal bone structure. Although the precise mechanism is unknown, studies have shown that smurf1 may play a role during the process. Here, we sought to determine the involvement of the immune system in impaired bone healing. We found that immediately after fracture, the B-cell composition was shifted toward increased frequency of plasmablasts and decreased frequency of naïve B cells, reflecting higher inflammatory status. The percentage of CD19(+) CD24(+) CD38(+) regulatory B cells was also upregulated in response to bone fracture. The production of IL-10, a pivotal cytokine in regulatory B-cell function, was upregulated in all patients. Interestingly, the increase in IL-10 production was only sustained throughout the healing course in normal healing patients but not in delayed healing patients. Rather, delayed healing patients downregulated B-cell IL-10 secretion early and had reduced level of regulatory B-cell activity. Together, these data revealed a role of regulatory B cells in the endogenous bone regeneration process and an alternation in B-cell-mediated regulation in delayed healing patients.

Proangiogenic properties of nucleoside 5'-O-phosphorothioate analogues under hyperglycaemic conditions.

Diabetes leads to impairment of the normal course of wound healing. Interestingly, recent studies have implicated a critical role of P2X/P2Y nucleotide receptors in dermal tissue regeneration and maintaining vascular homeostasis. As new vessel generation and keratinization process are decreased in diabetic patients we determined whether nucleoside 5'-O-phosphorothioate analogues might accelerate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production as well as the growth and migration of human keratinocytes under hyperglycaemic conditions. We also investigated the expression pattern of P2X/P2Y receptors in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. We show here that nucleoside 5'-Ophosphorothioate analogues are better candidates to overcome hyperglycaemia-induced impairment of angiogenesis as compared to their unmodified counterparts. The greatest potency for VEGF release and stimulation of cell migration by thiophosphate analogues of ATP and UTP correlates with the highest P2Y2 receptor expression by HaCaT cells. We also found that UTPαS significantly increased the viability and proliferation of the HaCaT cells. These findings suggest that thiophosphate analogues of nucleotides could serve as potential therapeutic agents for promoting impaired angiogenesis under diabetic conditions.

The role of single-stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion with titanium mesh cages and short-segment instrumentation in thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis.

The aim of this paper was to retrospectively analyze the clinical efficacy and feasibility of thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis treated by single-stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion with titanium mesh cages (TMC), and combined short-segment instrumentation. Fifteen patients with no more than two vertebral bodies involving thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis were collected from January 2006 to January 2010, performed by single-stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion with TMC and posterior short-segment fixation. The clinical efficacy was evaluated based on the data of the 10-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), neurological status, kyphosis angle, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein, which were collected at a certain time. The average duration of surgery was 135 minutes. All the patients were followed up for a period ranging from 18 to 48 months (mean 28.9±6.44 months). The VAS score was improved from 8.47±1.13 (range 7-10) before surgery to 2.1±1.7 (range 0-2) after surgery. Correction of segmental kyphotic deformity was 24.2±6.59°. Neither the postoperative change of the position of titanium mesh cage nor any posterior instrumentation failure was recorded. The situation of 13 patients with incomplete neurologic lesions before surgery was improved after surgery. Patients with thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis can be successfully treated by posterior debridement, interbody fusion with TMC combining short-segment instrumentation. The presence of the TMC anteriorly at the site of tubercular spondylitis has no negative influence on the course of infection healing, and additionally they stabilize the affected segment maintaining sufficient sagittal profile.

Genome-wide expression analysis of wounded skin reveals novel genes involved in angiogenesis.

Wound healing is a multistage process involving collaborative efforts of different cell types and distinct cellular functions. Among others, the high metabolic activity at the wound site requires the formation and sprouting of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) to ensure an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients for a successful healing process. Thus, a cutaneous wound healing model was established to identify new factors that are involved in vascular formation and remodeling in human skin after embryonic development. By analyzing global gene expression of skin biopsies obtained from wounded and unwounded skin, we identified a small set of genes that were highly significant differentially regulated in the course of wound healing. To initially investigate whether these genes might be involved in angiogenesis, we performed siRNA experiments and analyzed the knockdown phenotypes using a scratch wound assay which mimics cell migration and proliferation in vitro. The results revealed that a subset of these genes influence cell migration and proliferation in primary human endothelial cells (EC). Furthermore, histological analyses of skin biopsies showed that two of these genes, ALBIM2 and TMEM121, are colocalized with CD31, a well known EC marker. Taken together, we identified new genes involved in endothelial cell biology, which might be relevant to develop therapeutics not only for impaired wound healing but also for chronic inflammatory disorders and/or cardiovascular diseases.

Successful closure of a tracheocutaneous fistula after tracheostomy using two skin flaps: a case report.

A tracheocutaneous fistula may develop when a tracheostomy orifice epithelializes during a prolonged course of healing or undernutrition. Various techniques for closing such fistulae have been reported. However, a standard procedure has not yet been established. We, herein, present a case involving a 35-year-old woman who developed a tracheocutaneous fistula after tracheostomy. We closed the fistula using two skin flaps to cover the tracheal lumen and skin defect, respectively. The advantage of this technique is that it allows the tracheal lumen to be covered by inversed skin epithelium and ensures that the suture line of the skin does not match up with that of the subcutaneous tissue.

Enhanced expression of hepatocyte growth factor in the healing of experimental acute tympanic membrane perforation

ObjectivesThe present study was performed to investigate the expression of hepatocyte (HGF), epidermal (EGF) and vascular endothelial (VEGF) growth factors in the course of healing of experimental tympanic membrane (TM) perforations in rats. The goal was to explain the role of these growth factors in the healing process of TM and to assess the possibility of their future application as healing promoters. MethodsSeventy rats were used, of which 10 served as controls and the others had their TM perforated. The experimental animals were divided into six subgroups on the basis of time points (01, 03, 05, 07, 09, 15 day after injury). Videootoscopy and histology were employed to assess the morphology of the healing process. The expressions of HGF, EGF and VEGF were evaluated using Western blot analysis. Tissue localization of HGF was determined by the immunofluorescence method. ResultsHGF was hardly detectable in normal TM; however, a significant increase was noted in its expression starting from the third day after injury throughout the follow-up period, with the highest level on day 05. The analysis of HGF tissue localization with immunofluorescence revealed diffuse staining in the cytoplasm of proliferating epithelial cells. The expression of EGF was elevated on the first day after injury, not reaching statistical significance, and then returned to the level observed in the control TM. No significant differences were noted in the expression of VEGF. ConclusionHigh expression of HGF during the healing process of acute TM perforations makes it a promising candidate for further studies oriented towards its possible use in augmentation of TM healing.

The connection between cellular mechanoregulation and tissue patterns during bone healing.

The formation of different tissues in the callus during secondary bone healing is at least partly influenced by mechanical stimuli. We use computer simulations to test the consequences of different hypotheses of the mechanoregulation at the cellular level on the patterns of tissues formed during healing. The computational study is based on an experiment on sheep, where after a tibial osteotomy, histological sections were harvested at different time points. In the simulations, we used a recently proposed basic phenomenological model, which allows ossification to occur either via endochondral or intramembranous ossification, but tries otherwise to employ a minimal number of simulation parameters. The model was extended to consider also the possibility of bone resorption and consequently allowing a description of the full healing progression till the restoration of the cortex. Specifically, we investigated how three changes in the mechanoregulation influence the resulting tissue patterns: (1) a time delay between stimulation of the cell and the formation of the tissue, (2) a variable mechanosensitivity of the cells, and (3) an independence of long time intervals of the soft tissue maturation from the mechanical stimulus. For all three scenarios, our simulations do not show qualitative differences in the time development of the tissue patterns. Largest differences were observed in the intermediate phases of healing in the amount and location of the cartilage. Interestingly, the course of healing was virtually unaltered in case of scenario (3) where tissue maturation proceeded independent of mechanical stimulation.

Experiences of healing therapy in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.

BackgroundThe use and value of different complementary therapies requires investigation. In particular, qualitative research is required to understand the perceptions and experiences of patients who undergo healing therapy as one type of complementary therapy. The aim of this research is to consider patients perceptions and experiences following a course of healing therapy.MethodsTwenty two patients took part in this study. This included 13 patients with irritable bowel disease (3 male, 10 female, 47.6 ± 15.0 years), 6 patients with ulcerative colitis (3 male, 3 female, 48.5 ± 25.6 years) and 3 female patients with Crohn’s Disease (45.0 ± 5.2 years). Each patient undertook a single semi-structured interview following a course of healing therapy. The data was analysed using a thematic analysis.ResultsThree broad themes were identified from patient interviews (1) The understanding and expectation of healing (2) Experiences and reflection on healing (3) Impact and outcome of healing. The details of each theme are explored within the text, often revealing a unique experience of healing therapy.ConclusionPatients were open towards the benefits that could be attained by healing, although most patients were not sure what healing would entail. Some patients expected to be relaxed by the sessions. However, the most consistent reports were that patients experienced a relaxing sensation that was generated within the session and lasted for a time period after the sessions. In addition to this the healing appeared to be associated with patients feeling more tolerant of their symptoms. Patients valued the therapist and their input into the healing process. It should be noted however, that this report cannot consider the efficacy of the treatment. Further details and experiences are considered within the article, including one negative experience.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0611-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.