Effects of Scalpel, Electrocautery, and CO₂ and KTP Lasers on Wound Healing in Rat Tongues

Abstract

Wounds created in the upper aerodigestive tract of rats by scalpels result in the least postoperative weight loss, tissue destruction, and decrease in tensile strength, whereas wounds created by the KTP laser demonstrated a significantly greater postoperative weight loss, depth of wounding, and decrease in tensile strength.