RESUMEN
Eliminating putrefaction is a characteristic therapy in TCM surgery. It is more inclusive, reliable and safer nowadays after development for thousands of years. From the 20(th) century, with the development of science and technology, personal injury resulting from heavy metals has drawn more and more attention. Many drugs with heavy metal ingredients such as arsenic, mercury and lead were forbidden in clinical practice. This therapy had played an important role in Chinese medical history and it should not be abandoned as refraining from treatment with a necessary method for fear of a slight risk. With a long history, various methods of eliminating putrefaction have been developed by doctors, especially doctors in Ming and Qing Dynasties. The thoughts and experience of those doctors are still well worth learning and researching.