Therapeutic Potential of Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Management of Surgical Site Infections: A Comprehensive Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/yy4xhx36Abstract
Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a major cause of postoperative morbidity despite advances in perioperative care. Adjunctive, non-pharmacologic strategies that improve wound healing without increasing antimicrobial resistance are increasingly needed. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been proposed as a photobiomodulation-based modality capable of enhancing tissue repair, modulating inflammation, and potentially reducing infection-related complications. Objective: To synthesise experimental and clinical evidence on the therapeutic potential of LLLT in the management and prevention of SSIs and postoperative wound complications. Methods: A structured narrative review was conducted using searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to the latest available date. Studies were included if they evaluated LLLT for postoperative or surgically created wounds and reported outcomes related to healing, infection, inflammation, or pain. Data were extracted on study design, surgical context, laser parameters, comparators, and clinical or mechanistic outcomes. Results: Evidence from animal and human studies demonstrated that LLLT accelerates epithelialisation, enhances fibroblast activity, improves collagen synthesis, and reduces inflammatory markers. Clinical trials in cesarean, bariatric, orthognathic, and oral surgery populations reported improved wound appearance, faster healing, and reduced postoperative pain. Direct evidence of reduced SSI incidence was limited but directionally favourable. Conclusion: LLLT shows promise as an adjunct to postoperative wound management, with biologically plausible mechanisms and consistent clinical benefits, although high-quality SSI-focused trials are still required.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Asif, Satheesh Babu Natarajan, Muhammad Ahmed Azmi (Author)
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