ABSTRACT
To estimate the biostimulatory effects of low intensity laser radiation on healing of skin wounds, two linear skin wounds were produced on either side of dorsal midline in rats and immediately sutured. Wounds on the left side were irradiated daily with helium neon laser at 4 Joules/sq.cm for 5 min., while those on right side were not exposed and served as controls. The mean time required for complete closure in control group was 7 days while irradiated test wounds took only 5 days to heal (P < 0.01). The mean breaking strength, as measured by the ability of the wound to resist rupture against force, was found to be significantly increased in the test group. Early epithelization, increased fibroblastic reaction, leucocytic infiltration and neovascularization were seen in the laser irradiated wounds. The results establish the biostimulatory effects of low intensity laser radiation on healing of skin wounds.
Subject(s)
Animals , Laser Therapy , Male , Rats , Skin/injuries , Time Factors , Wound Healing/radiation effectsABSTRACT
Experience with peri-operative oxytetracycline coverage in prevention of wound infection following elective surgery is presented; of 150 cases included in control group 21 developed infection (14%), whereas only 4 of the study group (170 cases) had infection (2.5%). The importance of peri-operative antibiotic umbrella is emphasised and some of the shortcomings of recommended schedule is highlighted.