The efficacy of laser application in the treatment and healing of chronic ulcers: A systematic review

ABSTRACT Introduction: The term Laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) refers to a technology widely used in therapeutic and diagnostic fields. Due to photostimulation, it contributes to the contraction of chronic ulcers, providing analgesic and biostimulatory effects more quickly and safely than conservative treatment methods Aim: Investigating the effectiveness of therapeutic use of laser in the healing process of chronic ulcers. Methodology: A systematic review was performed in the online databases Pub Med and Google Scholar. The search algorithm was based on the keywords: “Laser Therapy” AND “Wound Healing” AND “Ulcers. Inclusion criteria were primary studies of patients of any age with chronic ulcers, published in the English language, in the period 2015-2021. Results: The review yielded 23 articles that met the inclusion criteria. From the studies it follows the positive effect of laser therapy in the management and treatment of chronic and non-healing ulcers, such as DFUs and VLUs. It appears to be effective due to the faster healing process, cleaning and reducing the surface area of wounds and limiting pain and infections. Conclusions: Application of low-level laser therapy appears to have significant advantages over conventional therapy or other techniques.