OBJECTIVE: To investigate the ability of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to alleviate pain caused by the cryosurgical treatment of oral leukoplakia (OL). METHODS:Ten patients with OL were submitted to cryosurgical treatment (Non-LLLT group) and eight were submitted to cryosurgical treatment associated with LLLT (LLLT group). Laser irradiation of patients within the LLLT group was performed using a 50 mW 660 nm continuous wave Gallium Aluminum Arsenide (GaAlAs) laser with a spot size at the tissue surface of 0.0286 cm(2) (irradiance = 1.75 W/cm(2)). Three points within an area of 1 cm(2) around the cryosurgical site were irradiated in contact mode for 28 s per point (1.4 J at 49 J/cm(2) per point). Irradiation was carried out immediately following cryosurgical treatment and at 48 and 72 h post-cryosurgical treatment. A numerical rating scale was used to assess the pain. The relationship between the treated groups and pain was assessed using the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Treated OL sites appeared to be clinically normal and with no evidence of recurrence during the average 9-month follow-up period. It could be observed that the LLLT group reported less pain than did the non-LLLT group. CONCLUSION:LLLT is an important strategy used to reduce post-surgical pain caused by cryosurgical treatment of OL.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the ability of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to alleviate pain caused by the cryosurgical treatment of oral leukoplakia (OL). METHODS: Ten patients with OL were submitted to cryosurgical treatment (Non-LLLT group) and eight were submitted to cryosurgical treatment associated with LLLT (LLLT group). Laser irradiation of patients within the LLLT group was performed using a 50 mW 660 nm continuous wave Gallium Aluminum Arsenide (GaAlAs) laser with a spot size at the tissue surface of 0.0286 cm(2) (irradiance = 1.75 W/cm(2)). Three points within an area of 1 cm(2) around the cryosurgical site were irradiated in contact mode for 28 s per point (1.4 J at 49 J/cm(2) per point). Irradiation was carried out immediately following cryosurgical treatment and at 48 and 72 h post-cryosurgical treatment. A numerical rating scale was used to assess the pain. The relationship between the treated groups and pain was assessed using the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Treated OL sites appeared to be clinically normal and with no evidence of recurrence during the average 9-month follow-up period. It could be observed that the LLLT group reported less pain than did the non-LLLT group. CONCLUSION: LLLT is an important strategy used to reduce post-surgical pain caused by cryosurgical treatment of OL.