Clinical experience of using a high-intensity erbium laser for the treatment of chronic wounds

Abstract

   Chronic wounds are a common surgical pathology. Some types of laser radiation allow for eff ective debridement of wounds and stimulation of healing processes. High-intensity erbium laser can comprehensively aff ect tissues in all phases of the wound process, leading to accelerated healing of chronic wounds.   The aim of the study was to evaluate the eff ectiveness of using high-intensity erbium laser for treating patients with chronic wounds of various origins compared to traditional treatment.   Material and methods: An analysis of the treatment of 144 patients with chronic wounds was conducted in two groups. In the 1st group (n = 71), a high-intensity erbium laser and dressings with water-soluble ointments were used. In the 2nd group (n = 73), standard surgical treatment with similar dressings was performed. Results were evaluated using visual assessment of wound defects, planimetry, bacteriological and cytological studies, assessment of procedure tolerability, and pain intensity before and after treatment.   Results: рatients in the 1st group showed signs of healing signifi cantly earlier and more frequently achieved complete epithelialization of wounds. Laser treatment contributed to more effective decontamination of wound defects, and signs of tissue regeneration were more frequently observed in cytological images. Patients tolerated erbium laser treatment better than surgical treatment, although pain intensity after treatment did not differ between groups.   Conclusion: The study confi rmed the effectiveness of using high-intensity erbium laser for treating chronic wounds. This method can be recommended for use in surgical practice alongside other technical and pharmacological tools.