Histological effects of He:Ne laser on the healing of experimental colon anastomoses in the rat.
Despite technical advances, the incidence of anastomotic leaks in elective colorectal surgery remains around 14%. Recent studies suggest that the use of low-energy lasers may enhance wound healing in different tissues in a selective, nondestructive manner. Based on these findings we have attempted to provide experimental background on the histological effects of He:Ne laser during the early stages of healing in 70 colonic anastomoses performed on rats. The irradiation of the anastomoses by two doses of 3.6 J/cm2 produces an increase in the populations of round cells and fibroblasts of the scar tissue, an increase in new vessel formation, and a significant improvement in epithelialization. This suggests that the irradiation of colonic wounds with He:Ne lasers can result in an enhancement of healing.
Asencio-Arana
F
F
Hospital Insalud, Denia Alicante, Spain.
Torres-Gil
V
V
Soriano
F M
FM
Perez-Sarrio
R
R
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D000818:Animals; D003106:Colon / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000528:radiation effects*