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Novel Treatment Immediately after Myelomeningocele Repair Applying Low-Level Laser Therapy in Newborns: A Pilot Study

2010; Karger Publishers; Volume: 46; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1159/000319363

1423-0305

Fernando Campos Gomes Pinto, Maria Cristina Chavantes, Nathali Cordeiro Pinto, Eduardo Joaquim Lopes Alho, Elisabeth Mateus Yoshimura, Hamilton Matushita, Vera Lúcia Jornada Krebs, Manoel Jacobsen Teixeira,

Laser Applications in Dentistry and Medicine

<i>Background/Aims:</i> The use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in neurosurgery is still hardly disseminated and there are situations in which the effects of this therapeutic tool would be extremely relevant in this medical field. The aim of the present study is to analyze the effect of LLLT on tissue repair after the corrective surgical incision in neonates with myelomeningocele, in an attempt to diminish the incidence of postoperative dehiscences following surgical repair performed immediately after birth. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> Prospective pilot study with 13 patients submitted to surgery at birth who received adjuvant treatment with LLLT (group A). A diode laser CW, λ = 685 nm, p = 21 mW, was applied punctually along the surgical incision, with 0.19 J delivered per point, accounting for a total of 4–10 J delivered energy per patient, according to the surgical wound area and then compared with the results obtained in 23 patients who underwent surgery without laser therapy (group B). <i>Results:</i> This pilot study disclosed a significant decline in dehiscences of the surgical wounds in neonates who were submitted to LLLT (7.69 vs. 17.39%). <i>Conclusion:</i> This new adjuvant therapeutic modality with LLLT aided the healing of surgical wounds, preventing morbidities, as well as shortening the period of hospital stay, which implies a reduction of costs for patients and for the institution.