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1.
Pediatric Tracheal Lobular Capillary Hemangioma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
Wang, RY, Quintanilla, NM, Chumpitazi, BP, Gitomer, S, Chiou, EH, Ongkasuwan, J
The Laryngoscope. 2021;(8):1729-1731
Abstract
Chronic cough is a common complaint in the pediatric population and can have many different etiologies. We present a rare case of a tracheal lobular capillary hemangioma (LCH), also known as pyogenic granuloma, causing chronic cough in a child. In this case, the tracheal LCH was managed successfully with laser ablation. A review of the literature reveals only 2 other reported pediatric cases of tracheal LCH. Laryngoscope, 131:1729-1731, 2021.
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2.
Prophylaxis of Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation From Energy-Based Device Treatments: A Review [Formula: see text].
Wong, ITY, Richer, V
Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery. 2021;(1):77-86
Abstract
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is an acquired hypermelanosis that can result from inflammatory dermatologic disease, trauma, or iatrogenesis from procedures. This condition disproportionately affects individuals with skin of color, and it can place a significant psychosocial burden on affected patients. The management of PIH is, therefore, of great interest to clinicians, especially dermatologists. The treatment of established PIH has long been a principal focus within the literature, with publications on the topic outnumbering publications on prophylaxis of PIH. Prophylaxis strategies to prevent PIH vary greatly in clinical practice, likely due to the absence of an evidence-based consensus. Published approaches to PIH prophylaxis include pretreatment (topical alpha hydroxy acids, retinoids, hydroquinone, and brimonidine) and post-treatment strategies (photoprotection, corticosteroids, and tranexamic acid). This review will examine the current literature on prophylaxis of PIH from energy-based device treatments.
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3.
The Use of Lasers in Stapes Surgery.
Srivastava, R, Cho, W, Fergie, N
Ear, nose, & throat journal. 2021;(1_suppl):73S-76S
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Otosclerosis is a disease process that usually starts around the oval window, causing fixation of the stapes, resulting in conductive hearing loss. Treatment of the conductive hearing loss caused by otosclerosis consists of either rehabilitation with hearing aids or performing surgery. Given the risks of hearing impairment and vertigo associated with the surgery, there has been a desire to advance the practice to minimize the complications. The so-called "non-contact" or "no touch" techniques with the use of various lasers are in current practice. This review article will cover the surgical aspects, the theory behind laser and the various types used in stapes surgery. It will also review the evidence of laser versus conventional stapes surgery and the comparison of different laser types. METHODS A literature search up to December 2019 was performed using Pubmed and a nonsystematic review of appropriate articles was undertaken. Keywords used were stapes, surgery, laser, stapedectomy, and stapedotomy. RESULTS Overall, there is no evidence to say laser fenestration is better than conventional fenestration techniques; however, with the micro drill, there is an increased risk of footplate fracture and sensorineural hearing loss. There is an increased risk of tinnitus with the laser compared to conventional techniques. Studies have favored the CO2 laser over potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) and erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Erbium-YAG) lasers for postoperative closure of the air-bone gap; and KTP laser has less thermal, mechanical, and sound effects compared with the thulium and carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers. There is an increased risk if inner ear complications with the thulium laser. CONCLUSIONS It can be deduced that theoretically and practically, the thulium laser is less safe compared to the KTP and CO2 lasers. The choice of laser used depends on the surgeon's preference, as well as availability, cost, side effects profile, as well as ease of use.
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4.
Wound Healing Treatments After Ablative Laser Skin Resurfacing: A Review.
Leight-Dunn, H, Chima, M, Hoss, E
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD. 2020;(11):1050-1055
Abstract
Laser resurfacing has progressed since the 1980s to treat a variety of medical and aesthetic indications with ever-evolving safety parameters. While laser technology has evolved to provide a more favorable safety profile and decrease wound healing time, advances in post-procedure healing agents have also helped to mitigate adverse effects, such as persistent erythema, dyspigmentation, acneiform eruptions, dermatitis, infections, and scarring. We reviewed the evidence of growth factors, stem cells, silicone and silicone polymers, botanical based treatments, fatty acids, probiotics, and closed dressings on post-ablative laser skin resurfacing. All reviewed agents demonstrated some evidence in improving post-procedure outcomes, albeit mixed in many cases. Additionally, these studies contain small numbers of participants, vary in type, strength, and clinical indication for which the resurfacing laser was used, and have differing postprocedural evaluation protocols and assessments. This highlights a need for standardization of clinical studies and the importance of choosing an optimal postprocedural skincare plan depending on every unique clinical scenario. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(11):1050-1055. doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.5386.
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5.
[Steam ablation of varicose veins 5 years later].
van den Bos, RR, Malskat, WSJ
Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde. 2020
Abstract
Endovenous treatment has become the treatment of choice for patients with saphenous varicose veins (great saphenous vein and small saphenous vein). Current thermal treatment modalities are endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation and steam ablation. These treatments work by heating the vein, causing the vessel to become occluded. These thermal treatment methods require tumescent anaesthesia. The outstanding effectiveness of laser and radiofrequency ablation has now been demonstrated in countless randomised trials and meta-analyses. Steam ablation seems to be just as effective as the other thermal treatment methods, but there is less pain afterwards. Since the treatment is not reimbursed, steam ablation is currently not used in the Netherlands.
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6.
In-office procedures for the treatment of benign vocal fold lesions in the awake patient: A contemporary review.
Shoffel-Havakuk, H, Sadoughi, B, Sulica, L, Johns, MM
The Laryngoscope. 2019;(9):2131-2138
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review available information regarding in-office procedures for benign vocal fold lesions (BVFL). METHODS PubMed term search on office/awake laryngeal procedures for any of the following specific lesions: Reinke's edema (RE), polyps, nodules, varices, vocal process granuloma, and vocal fold (VF) scar. RESULTS In-office ablative and nonablative laser procedures have been described for BVFL, including RE, polyps, varices, and granuloma. Fiber-based lasers used include potassium titanyl phosphate, pulsed dye laser, and more recently CO2 . In-office intralesional steroid injection (ISI) for BVFL targets the inflammatory process involved with the lesion and may induce regression of polyps, nodules, RE, and granuloma. Botulinum toxin-induced "voice rest" has been described as adjunctive treatment for refractory VF nodules or vocal process granuloma. Most in-office techniques for treating BVFL rely on induction of lesion regression rather than complete lesion removal, as in conventional operative microsurgery. When treating VF scarring, in-office procedures aim to alter the wound-healing process; ISI targets the inflammatory phase and angiolytic lasers target the proliferative phase. CONCLUSION In-office procedures for BVFL apply new technology that can potentially lower risk and cost. Although numerous case series have shown the potential of these procedures, data that thoroughly compares outcomes with those of microlaryngoscopic techniques is needed. Laryngoscope, 129:2131-2138, 2019.
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7.
Approaches to limit systemic antibiotic use in acne: Systemic alternatives, emerging topical therapies, dietary modification, and laser and light-based treatments.
Barbieri, JS, Spaccarelli, N, Margolis, DJ, James, WD
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2019;(2):538-549
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Abstract
Acne is one of the most common diseases worldwide and affects ∼50 million individuals in the United States. Oral antibiotics are the most common systemic agent prescribed for the treatment of acne. However, their use might be associated with a variety of adverse outcomes including bacterial resistance and disruption of the microbiome. As a result, multiple treatment guidelines call for limiting the use of oral antibiotics in the treatment of acne, although actual prescribing often does not follow these guidelines. In this review, the rationale for concerns regarding the use of oral antibiotics for the management of acne is reviewed. In addition, we will discuss our approach to complying with the intent of the guidelines, with a focus on novel topical agents, dietary modification, laser and light-based modalities, and systemic medications, such as spironolactone, combined oral contraceptives, and oral isotretinoin.
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Treatment of drug-resistant fibromyalgia symptoms using high-intensity laser therapy: a case-based review.
White, PF, Zafereo, J, Elvir-Lazo, OL, Hernandez, H
Rheumatology international. 2018;(3):517-523
Abstract
Fibromyalgia is a chronic musculoskeletal condition characterized by widespread pain in the body and is associated with tender points at the shoulder, back and hip regions. A wide variety of pharmacologic drugs and dietary supplements have been used with limited success in treating the musculoskeletal pain. Early clinical studies with low level laser therapy (LLLT) alone or in combination with drugs commonly used to treat fibromyalgia suggested that LLLT may be effective in reducing musculoskeletal pain and stiffness, as well as the number of tender locations. However, a sham-controlled study reported that LLLT was not significantly better than the sham treatment and kinesiotape. Preliminary studies with high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) suggest that it may be more effective than LLLT for treating chronic pain syndromes. Therefore, we evaluated low (1 W), intermediate (42 W) and high level (75 W) HILT in a woman with long-standing fibromyalgia syndrome which was resistant to both standard pharmacotherapy and treatment in an interdisciplinary pain management program. The patient received a series of treatments with a HILT device (Phoenix Thera-lase) at a wavelength of 1275 nm administered at both the paraspinous region and tender points in the shoulder and hip regions. Although the 1 W treatment produced minimal symptom relief, both the 42 and the 75 W treatments produced a dramatic reduction in her overall pain, improved quality of sleep, and increased her level of physical activity for 4-10 days after these treatment sessions. This case illustrates the potential beneficial effects of using higher power levels of HILT for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome who have failed to respond to conventional interdisciplinary treatment regimens.
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9.
Different lasers and techniques for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Moutray, T, Evans, JR, Lois, N, Armstrong, DJ, Peto, T, Azuara-Blanco, A
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2018;(3):CD012314
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a chronic progressive disease of the retinal microvasculature associated with prolonged hyperglycaemia. Proliferative DR (PDR) is a sight-threatening complication of DR and is characterised by the development of abnormal new vessels in the retina, optic nerve head or anterior segment of the eye. Argon laser photocoagulation has been the gold standard for the treatment of PDR for many years, using regimens evaluated by the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS). Over the years, there have been modifications of the technique and introduction of new laser technologies. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of different types of laser, other than argon laser, and different laser protocols, other than those established by the ETDRS, for the treatment of PDR. We compared different wavelengths; power and pulse duration; pattern, number and location of burns versus standard argon laser undertaken as specified by the ETDRS. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register) (2017, Issue 5); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase; LILACS; the ISRCTN registry; ClinicalTrials.gov and the ICTRP. The date of the search was 8 June 2017. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) using standard argon laser for treatment of PDR compared with any other laser modality. We excluded studies of lasers that are not in common use, such as the xenon arc, ruby or Krypton laser. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We followed Cochrane guidelines and graded the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We identified 11 studies from Europe (6), the USA (2), the Middle East (1) and Asia (2). Five studies compared different types of laser to argon: Nd:YAG (2 studies) or diode (3 studies). Other studies compared modifications to the standard argon laser PRP technique. The studies were poorly reported and we judged all to be at high risk of bias in at least one domain. The sample size varied from 20 to 270 eyes but the majority included 50 participants or fewer.Nd:YAG versus argon laser (2 studies): very low-certainty evidence on vision loss, vision gain, progression and regression of PDR, pain during laser treatment and adverse effects.Diode versus argon laser (3 studies): very-low certainty evidence on vision loss, vision gain, progression and regression of PDR and adverse effects; moderate-certainty evidence that diode laser was more painful (risk ratio (RR) troublesome pain during laser treatment (RR 3.12, 95% CI 2.16 to 4.51; eyes = 202; studies = 3; I2 = 0%).0.5 second versus 0.1 second exposure (1 study): low-certainty evidence of lower chance of vision loss with 0.5 second compared with 0.1 second exposure but estimates were imprecise and compatible with no difference or an increased chance of vision loss (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.08 to 2.04, 44 eyes, 1 RCT); low-certainty evidence that people treated with 0.5 second exposure were more likely to gain vision (RR 2.22, 95% CI 0.68 to 7.28, 44 eyes, 1 RCT) but again the estimates were imprecise . People given 0.5 second exposure were more likely to have regression of PDR compared with 0.1 second laser PRP again with imprecise estimate (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.48, 32 eyes, 1 RCT). There was very low-certainty evidence on progression of PDR and adverse effects.'Light intensity' PRP versus classic PRP (1 study): vision loss or gain was not reported but the mean difference in logMAR acuity at 1 year was -0.09 logMAR (95% CI -0.22 to 0.04, 65 eyes, 1 RCT); and low-certainty evidence that fewer patients had pain during light PRP compared with classic PRP with an imprecise estimate compatible with increased or decreased pain (RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.03 to 1.93, 65 eyes, 1 RCT).'Mild scatter' (laser pattern limited to 400 to 600 laser burns in one sitting) PRP versus standard 'full' scatter PRP (1 study): very low-certainty evidence on vision and visual field loss. No information on adverse effects.'Central' (a more central PRP in addition to mid-peripheral PRP) versus 'peripheral' standard PRP (1 study): low-certainty evidence that people treated with central PRP were more likely to lose 15 or more letters of BCVA compared with peripheral laser PRP (RR 3.00, 95% CI 0.67 to 13.46, 50 eyes, 1 RCT); and less likely to gain 15 or more letters (RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.03 to 2.08) with imprecise estimates compatible with increased or decreased risk.'Centre sparing' PRP (argon laser distribution limited to 3 disc diameters from the upper temporal and lower margin of the fovea) versus standard 'full scatter' PRP (1 study): low-certainty evidence that people treated with 'centre sparing' PRP were less likely to lose 15 or more ETDRS letters of BCVA compared with 'full scatter' PRP (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.50, 53 eyes). Low-certainty evidence of similar risk of regression of PDR between groups (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.27, 53 eyes). Adverse events were not reported.'Extended targeted' PRP (to include the equator and any capillary non-perfusion areas between the vascular arcades) versus standard PRP (1 study): low-certainty evidence that people in the extended group had similar or slightly reduced chance of loss of 15 or more letters of BCVA compared with the standard PRP group (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.28, 270 eyes). Low-certainty evidence that people in the extended group had a similar or slightly increased chance of regression of PDR compared with the standard PRP group (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.31, 270 eyes). Very low-certainty information on adverse effects. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Modern laser techniques and modalities have been developed to treat PDR. However there is limited evidence available with respect to the efficacy and safety of alternative laser systems or strategies compared with the standard argon laser as described in ETDRS.
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Is laser acupuncture an effective complementary therapy for obesity management? A systematic review of clinical trials.
Namazi, N, Khodamoradi, K, Larijani, B, Ayati, MH
Acupuncture in medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society. 2017;(6):452-459
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complementary therapies may increase the success rate of weight loss via a calorie-restricted diet. Acupuncture is a popular complementary therapy for obesity management. To our knowledge, no studies have summarised the effects of laser acupuncture (LA) on obesity. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of LA, in particular with respect to its impact on anthropometric features and appetite in obese adults, by conducting a systematic review of previous clinical trials. METHODS We searched PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Embase and Google Scholar electronic databases for papers published through October 2016. All clinical trials in English containing either anthropometric indices or appetite parameters were included. Two reviewers independently examined studies based on a predefined form for data extraction and the Jadad scale for quality assessment in order to minimise bias throughout the evaluation. RESULTS After screening the papers, seven clinical trials met the criteria and were included in the systematic review. Positive effects of LA therapy were seen in body weight (n=3), body mass index (n=5), waist circumference (n=4), hip circumference (n=3), waist to hip ratio (n=4) and % fat mass (n=3). Appetite parameters were reported in one study, which showed that LA can reduce appetite and increase the sensation of feeling full. CONCLUSION Although some studies have indicated beneficial effects for LA on obesity, the lack of evidence with high methodological quality made it impossible to reach a definitive conclusion about the efficacy of LA for obesity management. Further high-quality, randomised, sham-controlled clinical trials with a larger sample size are needed to shed light on the efficacy of LA for obesity management and weight maintenance.