The application of low-level laser therapy after cesarean section does not compromise blood prolactin levels and lactation status

This study evaluates the systemic effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on blood prolactin levels and lactation status when it is used to hasten surgical wound healing in women having undergone a cesarean section.

LLLT has been used in parturient patients for postpartum mastitis and nipple soreness. However, previous studies have revealed hormonal and physiological effects of LLLT on the lactation status.

Twenty healthy women scheduled for cesarean section were randomly divided into two groups: an LLLT group and a control group. LLLT was delivered as follows: (1) irradiation with 980 nm (100 mW, 3.3 J/cm(2), total energy 60 J), and 650 nm (30 mW, 1.5 J/cm(2), total energy 27 J) to the incision line, and (2) intravenous laser irradiation at 2.5 mW and 650 nm for 15 min on three consecutive postoperative days. Except for LLLT, all the therapeutic conditions in both groups were identical. Blood prolactin levels were measured in the groups on the third postoperative day, and tissue samples were taken from the wound margins for histological evaluation on the 10th postoperative day.

Although there was a difference between blood prolactin levels in the two groups, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.205). However, there was a statistically significant difference in the mean lymphocyte counts and number of vessel lumina, with higher numbers seen in the LLLT group.

LLLT after cesarean section has no serious deleterious effects on lactation, and it helps to modulate metabolic processes and thus promotes wound healing post-surgery.