How Surgeons Use Lasers

The functioning of lasers goes back to the theory of stimulated radiation emission. As light beams hit patients’ skin, they will either absorb light, allow light to pass in different layers, scatter the light, or reflect it away.
Some parts of the skin, referred to as chromophores, usually absorb light. When these parts absorb light, physical, chemical, or mechanical changes can happen in tissues.
Currently, there are many forms of lasers. This includes YAG, argon laser, and CO2. Each of these lasers works differently, and experts at The Laser Trader say that surgeons can use them in various ways.
Surgical Applications in General
Lasers have developed a lot in the field of surgical applications. That is because of its intense and collimated beam that releases a lot of energy in targeted tissues, but you can adjust to avoid collateral damage.
The capability to focus laser beam enables accurate ablation or cutting of tissues, rather than using steel scalpels. As a result, surgeons use lasers in different areas, including:
- Removal of tumors
- Shrinking or debulking obstructing growths in the esophagus and trachea
- Dermatologic and cosmetic procedures
- Treatment of malignant neoplasms of the neck, airways, lungs, and head
Eyes and Lasers
Surgery that improves people’s eyesight is called vision correction or refractive surgery. There are two main types of surgery, including lens surgery and laser eye surgery.
Both of them will make you less dependent on contact lenses or glasses. Plus, according to research, both surgeries are effective and safe.
What kind of surgery will suit you solely depends on various things, including your lifestyle, budget, eye health, eyesight, and age. Your surgeon will have to first examine your eyes and determine your needs before deciding what is best for you.
Plastic Surgery/Dermatology and Lasers
Plastic surgery and dermatology are both on the aesthetic part of the surgery spectrum. However, surgeons use lasers for plastic surgery procedures, including removing vascular lesions, removing tattoos, treating acne vulgaris, and smoothening the skin.
While CO2 lasers are very effective, surgeons also use Er: YAG lasers to remove and target specific dermis and epidermis layers of patients’ skin.
Cardiovascular Surgery and Lasers
TMR (transmyocardial revascularization) is basically a surgical process to treat chest pain or angina. This procedure usually uses lasers to create some channels in the heart muscles and restore their blood flow.
Since Ho: YAG fiber laser is easy to use, surgeons can perform cardiovascular surgeries with the help of a catheter.
Cancer and Lasers
The Nd: YAG and CO2 lasers are normally used to destroy or shrink tumors. Surgeons use them with flexible and thin tubes referred to as endoscopes, which doctors use to work on inners parts of patients’ bodies.
Using endoscopes also enables surgeons to position laser beam to properly hit its target, especially in the following:
- Rectum
- Colon
- Cervix
- Brain
- Liver
In Conclusion!
Recovery after laser surgery is the same as other types of surgeries. You might need to take enough rest for several days after surgery and take OTC medications until the swelling and discomfort go down.
Normally, recovery depends on the kind of treatment you receive and how your body got affected.