Laser surgery

Alternative names:

surgery using laser

Definition:

Use of a laser light source to remove diseased tissues or treat bleeding blood vessels. Also used for cosmetic purposes including removal of tattoos or birthmarks.

Description:

The term "LASER" stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser is a special light beam which can be precisely focused and is used to treat tissues by heating the targeted cells until they "burst". Laser treatment can: 1) destroy diseased tissues (such as tumors), 2) seal small blood vessels (coagulation) to reduce blood loss, and 3) reduce scarring normally associated with non-laser surgeries.

There are several types of lasers: the carbon dioxide (or CO2) laser, the YAG (neodymium, or yttrium aluminum garnet) laser, and the argon laser. Each laser has specific uses. The color of the laser (light beam) used is directly related to the type of surgery being performed and the color of the tissue being treated.

Indications:

Laser surgery can be used to:

• remove tumors (brain, liver)
  • with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue
  • with minimal scarring

• seal small blood vessels to reduce blood loss
• seal lymph vessels to reduce swelling (edema) and decrease the spread of tumor cells
• seal nerve endings to reduce postoperative pain
• remove warts, moles, and tattoos