Higher tensile strength of scars after incision with the picosecond infrared laser (PIRL) – a wound-healing study on rat skin

Introduction:

In the context of wound healing, original tissue is replaced with dysfunctional scar tissue, whereby the quality of scar tissue is influenced by the choice of the surgical instrument. Incision with the PIRL results in less scar tissue due to less tissue damage compared to conventional instruments such as scalpel or electrosurgical device. The aim of this study was to investigate the tensile strength of scars caused by PIRL.

Methods:

With the PIRL, the scalpel and the electrosurgical device 1 cm long skin incisions were made on the back of rats and sutured primarily. After 3 months, the scars were excised. Using a tensile/compression testing machine, the force (N) necessary for rupturing the scar was measured and converted into tension (N/mm²). 11 PIRL scars, 10 scalpel scars and 12 electrosurgical scars were used. 6 untreated skin samples served as control samples. The statistical evaluation was carried out by least significant difference test at a significance level of 0.05.

Results:

To rupture a PIRL scar an average tension of 2.00 ± 0.38 N/mm² is required, for a scalpel scar 1.29 ± 0.32 N/mm² are necessary and for an electrosurgical scar 1.20 ± 0, 35 N/mm² (control: 9.87 ± 1.88 N/mm²). The tensile strength of PIRL scars was significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared to the tensile strength of scalpel and electrosurgical scars.

Conclusion:

The present study has shown that PIRL scars have a higher tensile strength than scalpel or electrosurgical scars. The results support the hypothesis of better wound healing following incision with the PIRL compared to conventional instruments.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)