Healing of incisions in the tongue: A comparison of results with milliwatt carbon dioxide laser tissue welding versus suture repair

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1994

Abstract

The healing of carbon dioxide laser weld closures produced by two commercial instruments of differing design were compared. Healing after laser welding was also compared to healing following conventional suture closure. Healing was evaluated histologically and by measurement of tensile strength over time. No histologic differences were found between closures produced by different lasers; however, in all cases suture closure resulted in slower healing times consistent with a foreign body reaction prolonging the healing process. Tensile strength measurements were performed at intervals over the first 21 days after the operation. Laser repair was found to be equivalent to or stronger than suture repair at every interval measured. The clinical use of the carbon dioxide laser for tissue welding of oral injuries should be investigated further, since it appears to be a good alternative to suture repair.

Publication Title

Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology

Volume

103

Issue

12

First Page

964

Last Page

974

Comments

This article was published in Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology, Volume 103, Issue 12, Pages 964-974.

The published version is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/000348949410301207 .

Copyright © 1994 Sage.

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