Efficacy and safety of CO2 laser in wound bed debridement of chronic leg ulcers

Background and aim: Chronic wounds are an important medical health problem, affecting patients quality of life. The laser CO2* represents one of the new proposals in the field of tissue repair.

The aim of study is to evaluate efficacy and safety of CO2 laser and light emitting diode in wound debridement and tissue biostimulation.

Methods: We enrolled 20 patients affected by chronic leg ulcers, resistant to standard treatment. We compare a group of 10 patients received laser treatment (A) with a group of 10 patients treated with surgical debridement (B). Wound assessment was performed by using 3D imaging system (Star Aranz™), the VAS scale and EQ-5D-5L quality of life, twice a week for 6weeks.

Results: After 6 weeks of treatment the Group A showed a reduction of fibrin (70%), a wound size reduction more than 50%, and a significant improvement of quality of life. At the end of treatment, the Group B showed a reduction in terms of fibrin (40%) and a wound size reduction (20%).

Conclusion: According to our preliminary data, the laser CO2* device is a promising therapeutic strategy in terms of wound healing promotion and patient quality of life improvement. The laser treatment was considered safe and tolerable during the study period.