ABSTRACT
The proceedings contain 45 papers. The topics discussed include: developments in semi-permanent make up: tips and advice for laser removal;managing laser safety and COVID-19;a review of patients treated with ablative lasers for skin malignancies;rosacea: developments in recognizing and treating the sub-types of this progressive, inflammatory vascular disorder;laser hair removal for inflammatory medical conditions: pilonidal sinus disease;developing a predictive model to determine effectiveness of a laser using an artificial neural network;understanding the physical mechanisms involved in laser irradiation of tattoos;plume control in medical and cosmetic laser clinics: a practical guide;lasers in general dental practice - selection, safety and status;carbon dioxide laser and photodynamic therapy for the management of basal cell carcinomas;pulsed dye laser: a new case of successful treatment for reactive angioendotheliomatosis;and laser-assisted treatment in management of adult ankyloglossia.
ABSTRACT
The aim of the study was to evaluate the release of the lingual frenulum through frenectomy in newborns zero to 90 days of age who breastfed and had diagnosis of ankyloglossia with an indication for surgery, comparing two methods: electrocautery and a high-power diode laser. Fifty-seven patients were randomly allocated to two groups (23 submitted to electrocautery and 34 submitted to a high power diode laser). Tongue movements were evaluated based on a clinical assessment and using the Bristol Tongue Assessment Tool (BTAT) before and 15 days after the surgical procedures. The visual analog scale was administered to the mothers on the same occasions for the measurement of pain during breastfeeding. Both groups had an increased BTAT score (favorable outcome) at the post-surgical evaluation, but the anterior third of the tongue was not always free to enable the movements necessary for lingual functions. It is fundamental for surgeons to have skill and in-depth knowledge of the equipment used to avoid accidents and complications in the region of important structures. Both techniques employed in this study were safe and effective, causing little bleeding and few postoperative complications. The group submitted to a high-power diode laser exhibited less post-surgical bleeding compared to the group submitted to electrocautery and no inflammation at the edges of the surgical cut.