Comparing the effects of conventional surgery versus laser diodes on excisional biopsies of pyogenic granulomas

Objective: A pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a lesion similar to a reactive, inflammatory, benign tumor of the skin and mucous membrane. An oral PG develops due to pregnancy, hormonal status, poor oral hygiene, chronic irritation, and trauma. The aim of this study was to compare bleeding quantities, postoperative pain levels, and relapse rates of excisional biopsies performed either with standard surgical techniques for PGs or their removal with a laser biopsy performed with a diode laser. Materials and Methods: In this controlled, randomized, clinical study, 14 patients who were systematically healthy and with a gingival growth similar to a PG were assigned to one of two groups. In the first group, the biopsy procedures were performed with diode lasers (Epic, Biolase, Irvine, CA, USA) (810-nm wavelength, 10 W power). In the second group, the biopsies were performed with conventional surgical techniques using scalpels. The intraoperative bleeding quantities were determined in accordance with the criteria defined by the World Health Organization. The postoperative pain levels were evaluated with a visual analog scale (VAS). The patients were evaluated with regard to their relapse status, which may have occurred up to 6 months following the procedure. Results: During the operation, in the first group, the bleeding quantities were significantly lower. For the VAS values, a significant difference between the groups was not observed. In the second group, a recurrence was observed in two patients; however, in the first group, there were no recurrences. Conclusion: Compared to conventional surgical treatments, the advantages of the diode laser as an alternative treatment may include decreased blood loss during the operation and a decreased possibility of relapse.