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

The stimulatory effects of low intensity laser therapy (LILT) have been widely published for the treatment of chronic ulceration. In contrast to this previous work, the current study investigated its potential efficacy (by using a dosage of 9 J/cm2) in the management of acute wounds. For this purpose, uncomplicated postoperative wounds after minor podiatric surgery were examined.

The study was designed as a controlled group study. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Ulster's Research Ethics Committee. Patients (n = 9) presenting with a total of 12 wounds after minor surgical procedures (partial/total nail avulsions/electrosurgery) were recruited from the Podiatry Teaching Clinic, Northern Ireland. Patients attended the clinic once per week for assessment and treatment. Weekly irradiation was performed by using a CBM Master 3 (CB Medico, Copenhagen, 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 cm2; irradiance, 300 mW/cm2; continuous wave output. Wound assessment and recording of pain levels were conducted weekly. Wound measurement was completed by using planimetry and digitising methods.

Current findings indicated no statistically significant differences between Laser and Control groups for wound closure (P = 0.28 digitising; P = 0.49 planimetry) nor for pain levels reported (P = 0.88).

It would seem that LILT provides no advantages in the management of minor postoperative wounds over current practice. Despite no apparent benefit of infrared laser at this dosage in the management of acute stage wounds, further research is required to determine its potential efficacy in the management of other wound types.