Stimulation of the healing of experimental colon anastomoses by low-power lasers

Anastomotic leakage following colorectal surgery remains a complication with high mortality and morbidity. Recent studies suggest that helium-neon (He-Ne) lasers at specific energy densities can be used to enhance wound healing in different tissues. In this experimental study we have tested the strength of end-to-end anastomosis of the rat colon irradiated by He-Ne laser by measuring bursting pressures and bursting wall tensions at 2, 4 and 7 days after operation. The study shows that He-Ne laser radiation induces a significant increase in colonic strength at the anastomosis. The laser does not cause the luminal narrowing observed in non-irradiated specimens.