Evaluation of pain levels after Nd: YAG laser and scalpel incisions: an experimental study in rats.

Background: Postoperative pain is a recognized sequel of periodontal surgery. The pain experience has been shown to peak in the first 24 hours following the procedure, and to decrease rapidly in subsequent days. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pain levels following scalpel-and laser-incision of rat hind paws. Methods: The study was carried out on 10 albino Wistar male rats. Rats were randomly assigned to two groups: Group I (n=5, laser surgery), or Group II (n=5, conventional surgery with scalpel). For measuring mechanical hyperalgesia, the nociceptive threshold of the hind paw after mechanical stimulation was quantified using a Basile algesimeter. The measurements were done before the surgery and on the postoperative 1(st), 2(nd), 3(rd), and 7(th) days. Results: While the pain levels of the groups were similar before the surgical procedures, the laser-applied rats had significantly fewer nociceptive thresholds of the hind paw after mechanical stimulation compared with the scalpel-incised rats on the postoperative 1(st), 2(nd), 3(rd), and 7(th) days. Functional complications were not observed in the laser groups at three days after the surgery. Conclusion: The results suggested that, for soft tissue surgery, Nd: YAG lasers have often led to shorter operative times, less pain, and fewer postoperative adverse events.