Contribution of phototherapy to the treatment of episiotomies.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was an objective consideration of possible benefits of phototherapy implemented with therapeutic laser or possibly polarized light in treating episiotomy, which is the most frequent obstetric intervention.


METHODS
In the present study, the authors treated a total of 2,436 women. The light sources were as follows: a laser of a wave length 670 nm, power 20 mW, with continuous alternations of frequencies 10 Hz, 25 Hz, and 50 Hz, a polarized light source of a 400-2,000 nm wavelength in an interval of power 20 mW and frequency 100 Hz and a monochromatic light source of a 660 nm wavelength and power 40 mW, with simultaneous application of a magnetic field at an induction 8 mT.


RESULTS
The work demonstrated high healing effects with minimum secondary complications in the treatment of episiotomies using a therapeutic laser at an energy density of 2 J/cm(2). The application of polarized light at an energy density of 5 J/cm(2) also exerted favorable therapeutic effects.
Kymplová
Jaroslava
J
Section of Radiobiology and Toxicology, Department of Radiology, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
Navrátil
Leos
L
Knízek
Jirí
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004841:Episiotomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008280:Magnetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000528:radiation effects*