Acute Suppurative Parotitis Treatment by Diode Laser Combined with ER:YAG Laser

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Laser Medicine
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Acute sialadenitis, particularly suppurative parotitis, presents a significant clinical challenge.
• Traditional treatments involving antibiotics and duct probing may not always resolve severe infections and inflammation.
• A novel therapeutic approach utilizing combined laser modalities was investigated for refractory acute sialadenitis.

Observation:

• A 78-year-old female patient with acute suppurative parotitis showed persistent symptoms despite 2 weeks of conventional antibiotic therapy.
• Following treatment with Er:YAG laser for infection and inflammation, and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for pain during incision and drainage, significant improvement was observed.
• Reduced scarring and duct obstruction were noted post-laser intervention.

Findings:

• The combined laser therapy resulted in significant relief of symptoms and signs associated with acute sialadenitis.
• Purulent secretions were successfully managed.
• The patient experienced a pain-free treatment course and maintained a positive prognosis with no recurrence after a 1-year follow-up.

Implications:

• The hemostatic properties of diode lasers facilitate improved surgical field visualization and accelerated wound healing.
• Er:YAG lasers demonstrate proven bactericidal effects, crucial for mitigating infection and inflammation.
• Combined diode and Er:YAG laser therapy presents a promising and recommended treatment strategy for acute sialadenitis, enhancing patient outcomes.