The effect of low-energy infra-red laser radiation on wound healing in rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-energy infra-red laser treatment on wound healing in rats, both histologically as well as by gross observation. In the caudal area of the back of 14 rats, identical full thickness dermal wounds were punched out bilaterally. One wound in each rat was randomly selected for laser radiation. The contralateral wound was left untreated, serving as a control. All the laser-treated wounds and the untreated control wounds healed in the same way within the same period of time. No difference was observed concerning bleeding time, nor as to the formation and loss of crust. None of the wounds showed signs of infection during the observation period. Histological examination indicated no obvious morphological difference between the laser-treated and the untreated wounds. The present study did not confirm that the use of low-energy infra-red laser radiation could improve the wound healing process.