Laser therapy enhances wound healing: an experimental study in rats

Objective:

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) has recently gained considerable recognition among treatment modalities for various medical problems, including wound repair processes.

The aim was to evaluate the effect of (LLLT), using a GaAlAs diode laser device, on wound healing in rat.

Material and Methods:

An animal trial of 4 weeks' duration was conducted using a randomized blind, placebo-controlled design. Standardized full-thickness wounds were created on fifty young male Wistar rats using a round 8.0-mm biopsy punch. Wounds were kept open throughout the experiment without dressing. The laser treatment was initiated immediately after wounding and then carried out three times a week for three weeks for each of the following groups: 3 J/cm2, 6 J/cm2, 10 J/cm2 and 15 J/cm2 groups. The control group received the same handling and treatment, but with the laser turned off.

Wounds were measured using a caliper daily for 5 days/week. In addition, digital pictures were taken three times a week at the day of laser exposure commencing on the day of wound induction. The percentages of wound healing closure and histological evaluation were used to analyze the experimental results.

Results:

Laser irradiation enhanced the percentage of wound closure over time as compared to the control group (P<.05). Histological evaluation showed that laser irradiation improved wound epithelialization, cellular content, granulation tissue formation, and collagen deposition in laser-treated wounds as compared to the control group (P<.05).

Conclusion:

The effect of LLLT in full-thickness wound healing in rats is promising. This study suggests that such therapy may be of great benefit in the treatment of chronic wounds.