Applications of Surgical Laser.
Applications of Surgical lasers have been particularly useful in surgery over the last fifteen years. The term LASER stands for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation” and translates as light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. A laser is a special beam of light radiation, which does not exist in natural conditions, but is produced with special technological equipment. This radiation requires an energy source (e.g. electric current) and a physical “medium” to be made (crystal, gas, etc.). Depending on the “medium” used to produce the beam, the radiation presents the properties that characterize it and determine its action.
Laser beam characteristics
Characteristics of the Laser beam that make it particularly applicable in surgery is that it has concentrated energy in a stable beam of light, which does not disperse and does not deviate along its course. That is, in short, the light beam starts from the source and ends at the target having the same diameter and power. The Laser beam can be transported either through the air like common light or through special beam carriers such as optical fibers. The special effect that the Laser has on human tissue has been studied particularly in recent years, and various types of Laser have been developed depending on the action we desire.
Depending on the “medium” used to produce the Laser, the following types have been manufactured and are used in medicine and especially in surgery:
Carbon dioxide laser – CO2, which is the most widespread.
NdYag laser is often used in surgery, endoscopic invasive surgery, and gastroenterology.
Argon laser is used in angiology, due to its special effect on the hemoglobin of capillaries.
Excimer laser, used in ophthalmology.
Various other types of Laser, with mainly aesthetic applications.
Today, the applications of Surgical Laser are multiple and gradually increasing. The basic effect of the Laser beam on human tissue depends on various factors, including the type of tissue, its water content – hemoglobin – melanin, etc., the wavelength of the radiation, and the power of the beam. The diverse combinations that result create a wide range of variations and therefore applications, which the specialized Laser surgeon is required to know, to apply this new technology safely and effectively.
Applications of the Surgical Laser
The Surgical Laser can be used to treat many different diseases. The CO2 Laser is the main type used, offering very fast action, a bloodless field, minimal scarring, and excellent healing.
It is applied to:
Skin and soft tissue diseases. These include moles (commonly known as “olives”), warts, calluses, nail ingrowths, various papillomas, cysts, lipomas, epitheliomas, etc.
Surgical diseases of the anus and perineum. It concerns hemorrhoids, anal fistulas, anal abscesses, coccygeal cysts, genital warts, etc. The operations are always accompanied by a quick postoperative recovery and less pain.
Endoscopic-laparoscopic surgery. These are highly specialized operations, which require both specialized knowledge and special logistical equipment. It is used in various laparoscopic operations, such as, for example, in gynecological operations, where the Laser via optical fiber is an excellent means of destroying endometriosis foci.
Applications of Surgical lasers are also used in endoscopic gastroenterology, urology, and pulmonology for the purpose of minimally invasive treatment of tumors and strictures.
