The Efficacy of Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser in Surgical Scars Treatment: A system Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Surgical scars seriously affect a patient's quality of life, and they have a strong impact on individuals. Many studies have reported the results of using fractional carbon dioxide (CO) laser to treat surgical scars and have generally found it to be effective.

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a meta-analysis with the objective of evaluating and proving the efficacy of fractional CO laser therapy for surgical scars.

METHODS

We performed a search of databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and the Cochrane Library. The outcomes of the meta-analysis were overall scores on the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and its four dimensions (pigmentation, vascularity, pliability and height). Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.

RESULTS

A total of ten studies were included in this meta-analysis, including six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and four nonrandomized controlled trials (N-RCTs). In the meta-analysis of RCTs and N-RCTs, similar results were obtained, and fractional CO laser irradiation significantly decreased VSS scores (P < 0.00001). In addition, fractional CO laser irradiation also had a significant effect on scores on the pigmentation (P = 0.08), vascularity (P = 0.001), flexibility (P = 0.005) and height (P = 0.008) dimensions. Except for mild pain during treatment and temporary erythema after treatment, most patients had no obvious adverse reactions.

CONCLUSION

Our study found that fractional CO laser exhibits excellent efficacy and safety in terms of surgical scar treatment. Thus, we hope it becomes more widely available to patients with surgical scars.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

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