Effects of laser therapy on experimental wound healing using oxidized regenerated cellulose hemostat.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper was to evaluate if the healing of wound sites containing oxidized regenerated cellulose hemostat can be optimized by laser therapy.

BACKGROUND

Topical hemostatic agents may be used to control bleeding in a variety of surgical sites. Hemostatic oxidized regenerated cellulose can cause strange body reactions and formation of granulomas.

METHODS

Thirty-six male Wistar rats averaging 6 wk of age, weighing 250 g each, were anesthetized had a standard 0.5-cm(2) block of oxidized regenerated cellulose (Surgicel) inserted into an incision on the back of the tongue. Postoperatively the animals were randomly divided into two groups of 18 animals each: one was irradiated and one was not irradiated (control). In the treatment group, transmucosal laser therapy was applied in one area (Ga-Al-As laser, 4 J/cm(2), lambda = 685 nm, 35 mW, varphi = 0.06 mm) and consisted of four sessions, with one session carried out every 48 h. The animals were killed at three different times: G1 (1 d), G2 (3 d), and G3 (7 d). Tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and then analyzed.

RESULTS

It was observed that the treated group exhibited a greater reduction in edema and inflammatory infiltrate.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that laser therapy at 685 nm could improve the healing process, even when the inflammatory process has been stimulated by oxidized regenerated cellulose hemostat.