A research team at the Hospital for Sick Children has unveiled findings that demonstrates a new laser technique significantly reduces scarring after surgery. The results of the team's research were published September 28 in the online, peer-reviewed journal
PLoS ONE.
The study examined the use of a new surgical laser called Picosecond IR Laser (PIRL) as compared to other lasers and traditional implements like scalpels, and showed that in mice, use of the PIRL reduced scarring by 50 per cent and led to wounds that heal faster.
"Achieving minimal scarring is beneficial to patients, especially in
cases where scarring can be particularly debilitating,"
Dr. Benjamin Alman, a Sick Kids scientist who was one of the study's two principle researchers,
said in a release. "By reducing healing time this new surgical method could also
result in increased patient comfort and lower risk of secondary
infections due to surgery." The study concludes that the technique looks promising and adult trials could proceed "as early as next year."
Writer: Edward Keenan
Source: Matet Nebres, Media Relations Manager, The Hospital for Sick Children