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Laser surgery

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Definition:

Laser surgery uses a laser light source to remove diseased tissues or treat bleeding blood vessels. The laser may also be used for cosmetic purposes, including removal of wrinkles, tattoos, or birthmarks.

Alternative Names:

Surgery using laser

Description:

A laser is a light beam that can be precisely focused. It is used to treat tissues by heating the targeted cells until they "burst."

There are several types of lasers, including the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, the YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) laser, and the pulsed dye laser. Each laser has specific uses. The color of the 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 and decrease the spread of tumor cells
• Seal nerve endings to reduce postoperative pain
• Remove warts , moles , and tattoos
• Reduce the appearance of skin wrinkles, scars, and other skin blemishes
• Remove hair

• Review Date: 10/16/2006
• Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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