Objectives: The aim of this study is to systematically review and evaluate clinical evidence for early laser intervention introduced in inflammation, proliferation or remodeling phases of wound healing with first treatment performed <3 months after wounding.
Introduction: Surgical procedures will inevitable leave a scar. For many patients their surgical scar may pose itching, pain, restriction of movement and disfiguration. Within recent years the ability of laser treatment to affect wound healing and subsequently minimize scar formation has been investigated.
Materials / method: We searched PubMed using relevant key words. Titles, abstracts and articles were sorted according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Methodological quality was evaluated according to Cochrane Collaborations risk-of-bias assessment guideline by two independent authors.
Results: Twenty-five articles met the inclusion criteria. In general, laser treated wounds and scars showed benefit from laser intervention, though not always reaching significance. Significant scar improvements were found in: 3 of 4 studies using laser treatment in inflammation phase, in 6 of 16 studies with laser initiated in the proliferation phase and in 2 of 5 studies in the remodeling phase. Methodological quality included high risk-of- bias in terms of randomization and allocation concealment, but low risk-of-bias with regard to blinding of outcome assessment and lost to follow-up.
Conclusion: Laser intervention to reduce scar formation. Studies with longer follow-up and higher quality are needed.
Declaraciones
¿Ha recibido algún tipo de financiamiento para realizar su investigación sobre esta temática?
No
¿Ha recibido algún pago, honorario u otra compensación por su trabajo acerca de esta investigación?
No
¿Tiene vínculos financieros con alguna entidad que podría llegar a competir estrechamente con los medicamentos, materiales o instrumentos tratados en su investigación?
No
¿Posee o ha solicitado una patente relacionada a los materiales, productos o instrumentos utilizados en su investigación?
No
Este trabajo no cuenta con el apoyo de ningún financiamiento directo o indirecto. El autor asume plena responsabilidad sobre el mismo.