Surgeries that involve the use of laser employs the use of an extremely hot and precisely focused beam of light for the removal or vaporization of tissue and for controlling the bleeding risk that is quite common among minimally invasive and non-invasive procedures.
The laser device was used initially to treat eye diseases and ailments, where the transparent tissues offer surgeons specializing in ophthalmology a more vivid and clearer view of the direction of the concentrated beam. Dermatologic surgeons also helped pioneer laser surgery and developed and improved upon more refined surgical processes and early techniques. Until now, laser is widely used in medical and advanced dermatology and cosmetic surgery practices.
Types of Laser Surgery Equipment
There are three types of laser surgery equipments that are commonly used in medical treatment and practice, and they are the following:
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser: This is basically a tool in surgery that converts light energy to heat. This small device is powerful enough to cause minimal or sometimes zero bleeding while making a cut or vaporizing tissues.
- Neodymium yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) Laser: Has to the capacity to penetrate as compared to other surgery lasers. The Nd:YAG is also capable of making the patient’s blood clot as quickly as possible. The same device allows modern surgeons to clearly view and work on human body parts that only an open or invasive surgery could reach.
- Argon Laser: This laser provides the limited penetration needed for eye surgery and superficial skin disorders. In a photodynamic therapy (PDT) procedure, this laser employs dyes that are very light sensitive to dissolve, shrink, and hopefully eliminate tumors.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Laser Surgery
In any medical or surgical procedures, there is always an advantage or a disadvantage. For surgeries using laser surgery equipment, one of its advantages is the fact that in this process, there is less blood involved, making the procedure tidier and less horrifying to the sight as compared to traditional surgical procedures. Also, the heat produced by the laser makes the surgical site free of germs and minimizes the risk of infection. And since a tinier incision is needed, the procedure is often done a lot faster and cost less. Laser surgery also takes lesser time for the patient to recover.
There are actually a very few disadvantages, of laser surgery, one of them is the possibility of destroying healthy tissues when accidentally hit during the procedure. To avoid such incidents, it is very important for you to find a very skilled and competent surgeon or medical practitioner.