ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical therapeutic efficacy on hemangioma of oral maxillofacial regions using pulsed Gentle YAG laser. METHODS: Since April 2005 to August 2005, 113 cases of oral and maxillofacial hemangiomas were treated using pulsed Gentle YAG laser 1064 nm wavelength in our department. Minimal coagulation laser dosage was defined and used to avoid side effects such as thermal skin damage. The laser dosage was 170-240 J/cm2, with 1.5 mm in diameter spot and pulse wide of 30-60 ms. Dynamic cooling device set was used 10-20 times and 10-15 times pre- and post-pulse respectively. 9 of 113 cases had two sessions of treatment, 104 underwent only one session. 96% cases were followed up for 4-6 months. RESULTS: Total response was achieved in 85 cases (75.22%), good response in 28 cases (24.78%), fair response and poor response was 0. Temporary side effects included hyper-pigmentation in 11 cases (9.73%), hypo-pigmentation in 2 cases (1.77%), and they disappeared after 4 to 6 months. 7 cases had scar formation accounting for 6.19%. CONCLUSION: The minimal coagulation dosage pulsed Gentle YAG laser is a good tool to treat hemangioma in oral and maxillofacial regions. It has the advantage of fast efficacy, short term sessions and fewer side effects. It is worthy of wide clinical application.
