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Laser Surgery
L-A-S-E-R stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Through a complicated electronic process, a beam of light is produced which has special properties. This light is all one wavelength; that is, it is all one color of the spectrum. The light is focused so that all of its rays are traveling in the same direction. In a similar fashion, you might use the lens of a magnifying glass to focus rays of sunlight to a point.
Laser surgery uses a powerful beam of light, which can be directed to specific parts of the body, without making a large incision, to destroy cancer cells. Laser also can be used in cancer treatment as well as preventive surgeries. For example, in the digestive system, laser is often used to remove colon polyps, which may later become cancerous. Laser has been used to treat abnormal tissue, carcinoma in situ, and early cancer of the cervix, vagina, and vulva, to name a few. In women with breast cancer, surgeons may choose laser as the surgical tool because it is less painful and requires a shorter stay in the hospital. Lasers are also used to activate chemicals that serve as photosensitizing agents used in photodynamic therapy.
In many instances, lasers can improve the precision of the surgeon with finely focused beams of light. Some lasers can reduce bleeding by coagulating blood vessels as they cut tissue. Others can be aimed down narrow passages or sent down fiber-optic channels in endoscopes to reach areas that are otherwise inaccessible.
In many instances, the cost of medical care can be reduced by lasers. Through their use, many procedures that previously required hospital admission can be done on an outpatient basis.
Types of lasers used in cancer treatment include
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers
- Argon lasers
- Nd:YAG (Neodymium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet)
Carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers and argon lasers have the capacity to cut the skin surface without penetrating deeper layers so are used to remove superficial skin cancers.
The Nd:YAG is used during Laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT). The laser light at the tip of the fiber destroys cancer cells by raising the temperature in the tumor area. LITT is used to reduce the size of tumors in the liver.
| Advantages of Lasers |
|---|
| More precise than standard surgical tools |
| Results in less damage to normal tissues |
| Usually less pain |
| Less bleeding, swelling, and scarring |
| Less operating time |
| Less time to heal |
| Decrease risk of infections |
| Can be done in the outpatient setting |
Patients should consult with their health care provider about whether laser therapy is appropriate for them.
| Limitations of Lasers |
|---|
| Surgeons must have specialized training |
| Strict safety precautions must be followed |
| Expensive and requires bulky equipment |
| Effects of laser therapy may not last long |
| Treatment may have to be repeated to get full benefit |
Working on a similar biological principle, electrosurgery uses high-frequency electrical currents to cut and destroy cancer cells. In electrosurgery, the high density of the radio-frequency current applied by the active electrosurgical electrode causes a cutting action, which can act like a fine micro-needle, a lancet, a knife, a snare, or even an energized scalpel or scissors.
Back to Specialized Surgical Techniques
Updated: December 21, 2023