Photobiomodulation of surgical wound dehiscence in diabetic individuals by low level laser therapy following median sternotomy: A case series

Abstract

In this single case study we attempt to outline the possible effect of low level laser therapy on delayed wound healing (LLLT) in chronic dehiscent sternotomy of a diabetic individual. The methods that were employed to evaluate changes pre and post irradiation were wound photography, wound area measurement, pressure ulcer scale of healing (PUSH) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. After irradiation, proliferation of healthy granulation tissue was observed with decrease in scores of PUSH for sternal dehiscence and VAS for bilateral shoulders and sternal dehiscence. We found that LLLT irradiation could be a novel method of treatment for chronic sternal dehiscence following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), as it augments wound healing with an early closure of the wound deficit.