Treatment of Vascular Lesion in Oral Region with Diode Laser 980 nm, 3 Years of Follow- Up

Introduction Accurate terminology leads to precise identification of the vascular entity in most of the cases an accurate history and physical examination to establish the diagnosis. They can be situated in different area of oral-maxillofacial region, tongue, lip, palate, buccal-mucosa, gingiva. Management of these lesions with laser is an option. The choice of treatment depends on the type of lesion (vascular content), location, depth and characteristics of flow of the lesion. Aim We chose the application of 980 nm diode laser for the management of vascular lesion of lip, due to the fact that the wave length of 980 nm was good absorbed in hemoglobin and make possible to achieve very good coagulation and hemostasis. Material and methods This study comprised 60 patients aged 10 to 80 years, treated for vascular lesions of the oral region. The research protocol was performed in two groups. In the first group 30 patients were treated with 980 nm diode laser and the second group, the control group 30 patients treated with cold scalpel. Treatment was conducted from May 2007 to May 2010 at the Department of Oral Surgery, Dental Clinic of the University of Tirana, Albania. The follow-up period was one month, six months, one year and three years for the evaluation of the characteristics of wound healing as early and long term results. All stages of treatment and followup were photographically documented serving for comparative long-term evaluation. Results The patients of laser group were treated in one session. Time of surgery for laser group was very short that make possible a surgical comfort of the patient and no sutures were required and the wound was healed in two or three weeks depending of the size of the lesion. None of the patients reported complications during wound healing here included compromised patients. Conclusion Laser treatment versus scalpel surgery is minimal invasive and minimal aesthetic results. Postoperative period is comfortable for the patients treated with 980 nm diode laser regarding to the post-operative pain and swelling compared with the patients treated by conventional method. This treatment provided satisfactory results and also well-accepted by all age groups.