Stimulation of the healing of experimental colon anastomoses by low-power lasers

Anastomotic leakage following colorectal surgery remains a complication with high mortality and morbidity. Recent studies suggest that helium‐neon (He‐Ne) lasers at specific energy densities can be used to enhance wound healing in different tissues. In this experimental study we have tested the strength of end‐to‐end anastomosis of the rat colon irradiated by He‐Ne laser by measuring bursting pressures and bursting wall tensions at 2, 4 and 7 days after operation. The study shows that He‐Ne laser radiation induces a significant increase in colonic strength at the anastomosis. The laser does not cause the luminal narrowing observed in non‐irradiated specimens.