Low-Level Laser Therapy versus Four Layers Compression Technique in the Treatment of Venous Ulcers

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy in comparison to compression bandage therapy in the treatment of venous ulcers. Subjects & Methods: This study was carried out in the period from March 2013 to March 2014. The study included 40 adult patients with a diagnosis of venous ulcer classified as C6 according to the clinical classification of CEAP classification. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the first one included 20 patients treated by low-level laser therapy at the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation department, and the second group included 20 patients in whom we use four layers compression bandaging at the vascular surgery department. Results: 32 ulcers were treated in group I and 35 ulcers were treated in group II. The patients of group I were 7 (35%) females and 13 (65%) males, their age range were (24 - 56) years. The patients of group II were 11 (55%) males and 9 (45%) females; their age ranges were (32 - 50) years. Measurements of the ulcers size by (cm2) were taken at the beginning of therapy, at 1 month, at 2 months and at 3 months later on. The calculation of the area of the ulcer was done by using the graph papers to document the ulcer’s perpendicular linear dimensions. According to the size of the ulcer, some ulcers heal within 1 month (15.6%) ulcers in group I, and (28.5%) in group II. Some ulcers heal within 2 months (28%) in group I, and (37%) in group II. The remaining ulcers heal within 3 months or more which are (56%) ulcers in group I, and (34.2%) ulcers in group II. The recurrence rate of chronic venous leg ulcer in compression bandage technique used in group II was the least one as the total number of recurrent cases were 5 (25%), followed by laser therapy used in group I. Conclusion: There was no significant efficacy of the low-level laser therapy over the four layers compression technique in the management of chronic venous ulcers.