EVALUATION OF USEFULNESS OF LASER THERAPY IN MANAGEMENT OF DIABETIC FOOT ULCER

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Low-level laser treatment (LLLT) is phototherapy that uses low-power monochromatic and coherent light to treat injuries and lesions. Low laser therapy given to soft tissues in vitro and in vivo has been reported to stimulate certain healing pathways in wound healing. Studies published in the LLLT literature have examined the effects of Low light laser therapy on fibroblast growth, locomotion and production of collagen as early as 24 hours after laser treatment and accelerates wound healing. LLLT proved promising in many studies, and its cost effectiveness in a developing nation like India, which could soon changed the way of treating diabetic foot ulcers . OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of LLLT in terms of ulcer healing rate and ulcer size reduction. METHODS: A “Comparative Prospective Observational study” was conducted in “Department of General Surgery” at a tertiary care center among patients with diabetic foot ulcers for long time with Grade I-III (Megitt-Wagner Grade). 60 patients were divided in to 2 groups. Study group was treated with LLLT and Control group was treated with Conventional Dressing. Clearance was obtained from Ethical committee of the Institutuion before starting the study. Patients were explained the procedure and consent was taken from all the patients involved prior to the start of the study. RESULTS: Mean Age in Study group was 50.5 ± 15.19 and in Control group was 54.9 ± 10.33. In Both groups majority were males. In Study Group, 50.00% had Spontaneous and 50.00% and Traumatic onset. In Control Group, 70.00% had Spontaneous and 30.00% and Traumatic onset. Mean Area of wound % Decreased in Study group ( 22.19 ± 7.21) and in Control group (15.28 ± 6.54). There was significant difference in mean Area of wound % Decreased comparison between two groups. CONCLUSION: Based on the results from the above study , we conclude that highest percentage of decrease in wound area was observed in Laser Group compared to Conventional Group.