Influence of laser (λ670 nm) and dexamethasone on the chronology of cutaneous repair.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effect of LLLT associated with and without dexamethasone on inflammation and wound healing in cutaneous surgical wounds. BACKGROUND: Limited studies are directed at the possible interference of laser photobiomodulation on the formation of myofibroblasts, associated with an antiinflammatory drug. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Standard skin wounds were performed on 80 Wistar rats, distributed into four groups: no treatment (sham group), laser only (λ670 nm, 9 mW, 0.031 W/cm(2), 4 J/cm(2), single dose after surgery), dexamethasone only (2 mg/kg 1 h before surgery), and laser with dexamethasone. Tissue was examined histologically to evaluate edema, presence of polymorphonuclear, mononuclear cells, and collagen. The analysis of myofibroblasts was assessed by immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. The intensity was rated semiquantitatively. RESULTS: The results showed that laser and dexamethasone acted in a similar pattern to reduce acute inflammation. Collagen synthesis and myofibroblasts were more intense in the laser group (p = 0.048), whereas animals treated with dexamethasone showed lower results for these variables. In a combination of therapies, the synthesis of collagen and actin and desmin-positive cells was less than laser group. CONCLUSIONS: Laser was effective in reducing swelling and polymorphonuclear cells and accelerated tissue repair, even in the presence of dexamethasone.

A feasible procedure in dental practice: the treatment of oral dysplastic hyperkeratotic lesions of the oral cavity with the CO2 laser.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work is to report some cases of surgical removal of hyperkeratotic lesions of the oral cavity with the CO(2) laser. BACKGROUND: Hyperkeratosis is an abnormal thickening of the stratum corneum caused by increased deposition of keratin, and its histopathologic features show wide variations. These changes are significant because they determine different biologic behavior. Several techniques are used to treat these lesions, including scalpel incision, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, photodynamic therapy, and some drugs. The use of surgical lasers has been proposed as an effective way of treating such lesions safely. The CO(2) laser is the most used laser on the oral cavity because of its affinity for water and high absorption by the oral mucosa. Several benefits of the use of the CO(2) laser are reported in the literature in regard to surgical procedures carried out on the oral cavity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients had histopathologic diagnosis of hyperkeratosis and mild epithelial dysplasia and were routinely prepared for surgery under local anesthesia. The surgical procedures were carried out by using a CO(2) laser (Sharplan 20 C; Laser Industries, Tel Aviv, Israel, λ10,600 nm, φ∼2 mm, CW/RSP). The beam was focused to delimit each lesion, and then lesions were excised, and the removed specimens were sent for histopathology. At the end of the surgery, the beam was used in a defocused manner to promote better hemostasis. Neither sutures nor dressings were used after the surgery. No medication but mouthwashes was prescribed to all patients in the postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the CO(2) laser does not reduce the risk of relapses of the lesion, but it is an easy-to-use technique and results in both a quick surgical procedure and trouble-free postoperative period and may be safely used in dental practice.