Laser technology and applications in gynaecology

Abstract

The term ‘laser’ is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers are commonly described by the emitted wavelength, which determines the colour of the light, as well as the active lasing medium. Currently, over 40 types of lasers have been developed with a wide range of both industrial and medical uses. Gas and solid-state lasers are frequently used in surgical applications, with CO₂ and Ar being the most common examples of gas lasers, and the Nd:YAG and KTP:YAG being the most common examples of solid-state lasers. At present, it appears that the CO₂, Nd:YAG, and KTP lasers provide alternative methods for achieving similar results, as opposed to superior results, when compared with traditional endoscopic techniques, such as cold-cutting monopolar and bipolar energy. This review focuses on the physics, tissue interaction, safety and applications of commonly used lasers in gynaecological surgery.

Keywords::

• Endoscopy
• gynaecological surgery
• laser
• stimulated emission

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Bruce S. Kahn, MD is a paid consultant for OmniGuide^® CO₂ laser.