Definition of laser surgery

Photonics Dictionary

laser surgery: Laser surgery refers to a medical procedure in which a laser, or focused beam of light, is used as a precision tool to cut, vaporize, coagulate, or otherwise modify tissues for therapeutic or surgical purposes. Lasers offer several advantages in surgery, including precision, minimal invasiveness, and the ability to target specific tissues without causing extensive damage to surrounding areas.

The process of laser surgery involves the following key components:

Generation of laser light: Laser light is produced by stimulating a lasing medium (such as a gas, liquid, or solid) with energy. This stimulation causes the release of photons in a coherent and focused beam.

Delivery of laser energy: The laser beam is directed through a delivery system, often a flexible fiber optic cable, to the surgical site. The surgeon can control the intensity, duration, and focus of the laser energy.

Interaction with tissues: When the laser beam reaches the target tissue, it interacts with the tissue in a specific manner depending on the type of laser and its parameters. This interaction may involve cutting, vaporizing, coagulating, or sealing blood vessels.

Application in various medical fields: Laser surgery is utilized in various medical specialties, including dermatology, ophthalmology, dentistry, urology, gynecology, and more. Specific applications range from skin resurfacing and vision correction to tumor removal and minimally invasive procedures.

The advantages of laser surgery often include reduced bleeding, shorter recovery times, and increased precision compared to traditional surgical methods. However, the choice of laser and surgical approach depends on the nature of the procedure and the characteristics of the target tissues.