Laser treatment for scars after cleft lip surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Current studies are controversial on the optimal treatment of postoperative scar treatment by cleft lip. Our objective is to elucidate the therapeutic effect of laser on postoperative cleft lip scar treatment. Methods A systematic review was performed and reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. We searched five electronic databases (EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and CNKI, from their inceptions until August 8, 2023) and independently assessed the methodological quality and bias risk of the included studies by two investigators using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews. Quality assessment of the certainty of evidence was performed based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation guidelines. Weighted mean difference of Vancouver Scar Scale were calculated to conduct meta-analysis by Stata statistical software version 14. We also estimated the pool sensitivity as well as testing the possibility of publication bias. Results Five studies were included in this meta-analysis involving 255 subjects. Meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group, laser was more effective in treating post-cleft lip scars (WMD = 4.39, 95%CI = 0.54–8.23; Five studies with 255 participants; Low evidentiary certainty, I2 = 99.4%). Conclusions Patients treated with laser therapy for postoperative cleft lip scar treatment tend to have lower Vancouver Scar Scale scores, indicating a significant therapeutic effect. However, our results should be interpreted with caution due to the limitations. Trial registration identifier CRD42023397042 (18/02/2023) [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/].