Histological effects of He:Ne laser on the healing of experimental colon anastomoses in the rat.

Despite technical advances, the incidence of anastomotic leaks in elective colorectal surgery remains around 14%. Recent studies suggest that the use of low-energy lasers may enhance wound healing in different tissues in a selective, nondestructive manner. Based on these findings we have attempted to provide experimental background on the histological effects of He:Ne laser during the early stages of healing in 70 colonic anastomoses performed on rats. The irradiation of the anastomoses by two doses of 3.6 J/cm2 produces an increase in the populations of round cells and fibroblasts of the scar tissue, an increase in new vessel formation, and a significant improvement in epithelialization. This suggests that the irradiation of colonic wounds with He:Ne lasers can result in an enhancement of healing.