Volume 17, Number 2, June 2005
| | Histological Study of Wound Healing after Carbon Dioxide Laser Surgery: an Animal Study |
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Nattawut Thuaksuban, Thongchai Nuntanaranont
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
Abstract
Objective: To compare the biological response of target tissue at different settings of power and exposure time of the carbon dioxide laser.
Materials and Methods: Incision of the buccal mucosa of 12 New Zealand white rabbits was performed by carbon dioxide laser (wavelength, 10.6 μm). The rabbits were divided into 3 groups on the basis of the laser settings: group 1 — 4 W, 20 Hz, 10 ms; group 2 — 8 W, 10 Hz, 10 ms; and group 3 — 12 W, 2 Hz, 50 ms. Histological specimens for light microscopy were prepared on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7 to evaluate tissue response and wound healing.
Results: The laser beam in group 2 produced the deepest vaporisation zone. This result was significantly different from that of group 1 (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between groups 2 and 3. The width of the vaporisation zone in group 3 was slightly larger than that in group 2. The width of the vaporisation zone in groups 2 and 3 were both significantly wider than that in group 1 (p < 0.05). The largest area of thermal necrosis was found in group 3, but there was no significant difference when compared with the other 2 groups. The wound gradually healed, and healing was nearly complete after 7 days. However, epithelialisation was slightly delayed with a residual thermal necrosis in group 3. A low inflammatory response was found in all groups throughout the study period.
Conclusion: A laser machine setting of moderate power, moderate frequency, and short pulse duration was more effective than one of high power, low frequency and long pulse duration.
Key words: Carbon dioxide, Lasers, Wound healing
Asian J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2005;17:88-94.
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