engleski

Early laser intervention to reduce scar formation in wound healing by primary intention: A systematic review

Background: Hypertrophic scars frequently follow primary closure of surgical wounds. Laser application at or shortly after suture may be associated with a reduction in scar formation, although the respective study results vary. Aim: The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of early laser applied within the first six months after surgery to reduce scar formation compared to no treatment. Methods: We searched the databases MEDLINE and CENTRAL on 14 January 2019 and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Primary outcome was the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). Mea- sure of treatment effect was the mean difference from baseline. Results: Seventeen relevant RCTs randomized 430 scars (413 assessed) and compared laser versus no treatment. Fourteen studies applied a split-scar and three applied a simple parallel design. Three studies with a split-scar design favored the laser group on VSS, and one study had indifferent findings. Considerable heterogeneity I2 = 86% did not justify a meta- analysis. The remaining 13 studies did not report appropriate data. Conclusion: On the basis of the currently available evidence, we are uncertain whether early laser can reduce scar formation, and more high-quality research is needed for a definitive conclusion.

laser ; scar ; cicatrix ; prevention ; systematic review

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