A comparative histologic study on the healing process after tissue transection. I. Carbon dioxide laser and electromicrosurgery.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare histologic parameters of wound healing subsequent to a standard uterine incision with carbon dioxide laser and electromicrosurgery in the rat model. The following histologic parameters were assessed and scored: scar width; amount of particulate carbon and necrotic debris; number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, lymphocytes, histiocytes, and giant cells; and extent of edema, exudate, and collagen in the scar. The incisions were evaluated on postoperative days 0, 4, 7, 14, and 21. The ensuing scars were similar with respect to scar width and the amount of collagen in the scar. Foreign body reaction, denoted by histiocytes and giant cells, was significantly more pronounced in the electromicrosurgery group. Carbon particles, along with necrotic debris, appear to induce a foreign body tissue reaction. The particulate carbon in the electromicrosurgical incisions was significantly more extensive and was associated with the pronounced and longer lasting foreign body reaction in this group.