Experimental Study on the Morphological and Functional Recovery following Partial Glossectomy in Rabbits: A Comparison between CO 2 Laser and Electrocautery

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the morphological and functional recovery following partial glossectomy in rabbits with the CO₂ laser and electrocautery. Methods: Partial glossectomy with the CO₂ laser or electrocautery in rabbits was performed to investigate changes in the body weight and tongue width after surgery. The study models were classified into three groups. In group 1, the excised edges of the wound were left unsutured after partial glossectomy with the CO₂ laser. In group 2, the wound was closed after CO₂ laser surgery. In group 3, as a control group, the wound was closed after partial glossectomy with electrocautery. The specimens of the tongues obtained from the rabbit were microscopically assessed. Results: No significant differences were found in the percent change in the body weight among the three groups. There was a significant difference in the tongue width between groups 1 and 3 at each time point: 2 weeks (p < 0.05), 4 weeks (p < 0.01), and 8 weeks (p < 0.001) postoperatively. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the tongue width between groups 2 and 3 at 8 weeks (p < 0.02) postoperatively. Histologically, the scar tissue of the wound was extensive in the control group, although it was localized in the laser group. Conclusion: Postoperative dysfunction was reduced when excised edges were left unsutured after partial glossectomy with the CO₂ laser.