Low intensity laser therapy (830nm) in the management of minor postsurgical wounds: A controlled clinical study

Background and Objective: The stimulatory effects of low intensity laser th erapy (LILT) have been widely published for the treatment of chronic ulcera tion. In contrast to this previous work, the current study investigated its potential efficacy (by using a dosage of 9 J/cm(2)) in the management of a cute wounds. For this purpose, uncomplicated postoperative wounds after min or pediatric surgery were examined. Study Design/Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a controlled group study. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Ulster's Res earch Ethics Committee. Patients (n = 9) presenting with a total of 12 woun ds after minor surgical procedures (partiatl/total nail avulsions/electrosu rgery) were recruited from the Podiatry Teaching Clinic, Northern Ireland. Patients attended the clinic once per week for assessment and treatment. We ekly irradiation was performed by using a CBM Master 3 (CB Medico, Copenhag en, Denmark) diode laser (GaAlAs). The physical parameters of the output of this unit were as follows: wavelength, 830 nm; average power output, 30 mW ; spot size, 0.1 cm(2); irradiance, 300 mW/ cm2; continuous wave output. Wo und assessment and recording of pain levels were conducted weekly. Wound me asurement was completed by using planimetry and digitising methods. Results: Current findings indicated no statistically significant difference s between Laser and Control groups for wound closure (P = 0.28 digitising; P = 0.49 planimetry) nor for pain levels reported (P = 0.88). Conclusion: It would seem that LILT provides no advantages in the managemen t of minor postoperative wounds over current practice. Despite no apparent benefit of infrared laser at this dosage in the management of acute stage w ounds, further research is required to determine its potential efficacy in the management df other wound types. Lasers Surg. Med. 28:27-32, 2001. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.