Simplified treatment of vascular lesions using the argon laser

Noninvasive treatment for chronic sialadenitis: Case report

This reporter expresses a patient with a history of tender neck swelling. After clinical and graphical examinations, the patient was diagnosed with submandibular sialolithiasis. Instead of invasive removal of the gland, a more conservative treatment was used. Eventually, after a 1-year-long follow-up, the patient's conditions were found to be acceptable.

Sialolith removal in the submandibular region using surgical diode laser: report of two cases and literature review

PURPOSE

Sialolithiasis is defined as the presence of one or more calcified structures within the duct of a major or minor salivary gland. It occurs as a result of deposition of calcium salts around an accumulation of organic debris in the duct lumen. The main signs and symptoms are edema and bacterial infection with abscess formation.

METHODS

This study aimed to report two cases of submandibular sialolithiasis treated surgically with diode laser and conduct a review of the literature by means of a systematic search. In the two cases, the calculi were located in the distal part of the submandibular duct and could be palpated intraorally. Surgery was performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. A linear incision was made in the floor of the mouth, in the region of the opening of Wharton's duct, to expose and remove the calculi. Laser cutting was performed using a diode laser module coupled to a 400-μm optical fiber emitting at a wavelength of 980 nm (infrared), 2.5 W output power, and in continuous pulse mode.

RESULTS

The use of diode laser is a safe and minimally invasive option for this type of procedure.

CONCLUSION

Offering advantages such as enhanced coagulation properties and high-quality incision, absence of bleeding, low risk of nerve damage, and few comorbidities.

Excision biopsy of tongue lesions by diode laser

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diode laser in excision biopsy of superficial proliferative tongue lesions under local anesthesia.

BACKGROUND DATA

Most mobile tongue lesions present as surface projections and have similar clinical features. They are usually excised for diagnostic purposes using conventional surgery or electrosurgery. The diode laser has proven itself useful in different oral surgeries.

METHODS

We report the results of a prospective pilot study where contact diode laser was used in excision biopsy of six mobile tongue lesions. All excised tissues were pathologically examined. To assess post-operative pain, patients were asked to correlate it to an 11-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); patients were also asked to assess their impression of alteration in tongue size on a 4-point scale. Healing, functional results, and recurrence rate were assessed.

RESULTS

All interventions were uneventful and done at the same out-patient setting. All lesions were benign. Healing occurred by secondary intention in the six cases with no residual ulceration. Postoperative pain was mild in four cases, while two cases suffered from moderate pain. Post-operative impression of tongue swelling occurred in all cases. The mild impression disappeared by the end of the first week and the moderate one by the end of the second week. No recurrence was observed over a mean follow-up period of 15 months.

CONCLUSION

The diode 980-nm laser is optimal for excision biopsy of superficial and benign proliferative lesions of the mobile tongue.

An in-vivo experimental model for studying wound-healing after laser irradiation in the mouse foetus

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to develop an experimental model to study wound-healing in the mouse foetus by inducing an injury with an argon laser.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

ICR strain mouse dams were used in this study at day 14 of gestation. Laparotomy was performed on the dams under sodium pentobarbital anaesthesia, and foetuses were exposed from the uterus while wrapped in the amnion. Laser radiation was conducted through the amniotic membrane, and the beam was focused on to the naso-labial region. After laser irradiation, the foetus was returned to the abdominal cavity of the dam. Then the abdominal wall was closed, and an extrauterine pregnancy was maintained. Foetuses were sacrificed at intervals and wound healing was examined histologically.

RESULTS

Immediately after laser irradiation, the foetal epithelium was detached and degeneration of the epithelium and subepithelial mesenchymal tissue were observed. Twenty-four hours after laser irradiation, normal epithelial cells surrounding the wound began to migrate along the margin of the degenerate tissue mass. By seventy-two hours after laser irradiation, the laser-induced wound had recovered, and scar formation was not observed.

CONCLUSION

The application of an argon laser allowed to inflict a wound on a mouse foetus without damaging the amnion, and this experimental model appeared to be useful for studying the mechanism of foetal wound-healing.

Diode laser (980 nm) in oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures: clinical observations based on clinical applications

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the wound healing of soft tissue after the application of a diode laser (980 nm) in oral surgical procedures.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Like the CO2 laser, the diode laser can be used for soft tissue surgery without extensive experience in the field of oral surgical.

METHODS

A diode laser was used to treat a variety of oral soft tissue lesions in 22 patients. The oral surgical procedures included removal of soft tissue tumors, frenectomies, excision of gingival hyperplasias, vestibuloplasties, hemangioma removal, and periimplant soft tissue surgery. The laser was used in both pulsed and continuous modes, with and without contact to the tissue. Intraoperative and postoperative clinical observations are reported.

RESULTS

Our preliminary clinical findings include sufficient hemostasis and precise incision margin with all of the surgical procedures. The coagulation properties, associated with the use of a diode laser, were particularly beneficial during removal of vascular lesions. The postoperative advantages, i.e., lack of swelling, bleeding, pain or, scar tissue formation, and the good wound healing were observed in all of the clinical applications and were dependent only on the laser physical parameters used.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical application of the diode (980 nm) laser in oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures seems to be of beneficial effect for daily practice.