Initial Tissue Response after Partial Glossectomy by 3 Watt, 6 Watt CO2 Laser and Scalpel

bjective: To compare advantages and disadvantages of CO2 laser and scalpel in wound healing after an oral soft tissue surgical procedure.Place and Duration of Study: Study was carried out at animal laboratory of Post Graduate Medical Insti-tute, Lahore from January 2005 to March 2005.Subjects and Methods: Study was conducted on 30 Sprague - dawley Albino rats, which were divided into 3 equal groups of 10. Partial glossectomy was done with 3 watts CO2 laser in first group (A), with 6 watts CO2 laser in second group (B) and with scalpel in third group (C). Wound healing was observed and compared grossly and histologically, 24 hours after surgery.Results: Significant differences were seen in gross wound appearance in A and B groups as compared to C group. Histological formation of zones, thickness of blood and carbonization were highly significant in A and B groups as compared to group C.Conclusion: Six watts CO2 laser wound was much better as compared to scalpel in terms of bleeding duration of surgery, wound appearance, and initial inflammatory response