Low-intensity laser irradiation in the rehabilitation of patients after radical surgical or combined treatment for head and neck tumors

Purpose: to evaluate the effectiveness of low-level laser radiation in the complex rehabilitation of patients with head and neck tumors after radical surgical treatment as well as to assess the influence of the discussed treatment on the quality of their life.

Material and methods. 134 patients with head and neck cancer aged 23–78 years (mean age – 54.24 ± 12.7 years ) were taken into the study. There were 39 (29.1 %) men and 95 (70.9 %) women. All patients were divided into three groups. In Group 1 (n = 45), patients received traditional rehabilitation treatment (physical exercises, massage, medication); in Group 2 (n = 45), patients had a course of traditional rehabilitation plus low-level laser therapy (LLLT); in Group 3 (n = 44), patients had only several LLLT courses as rehabilitation therapy. For laser therapy, laser device “Azor 2K-02” (laser hazard of class II, GOST 12.1.040-83) was used.

Results. During the treatment, most of the patients noted early disappearance or noticeable decrease in pain and numbness intensity at the site of the surgical; skin sensitivity and increase of the muscular tone in the shoulder girdle and upper limb at the site of the surgical were restored as well. The most pronounced regression of complaints after rehabilitation therapy was observed in patients who had LLLT in combination with other rehabilitative measures.

Conclusion. Radical surgical or combined treatment of patients with malignant tumors of head and neck causes functional disorders of tissues and organs at the site of treatment. Rehabilitation therapy with LLLT in red and/or infrared spectrum range ensures adequate restoration of impaired functions what improves the quality of life of such patients.

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