laparoscopic surgery

Laser surgery is a medical procedure that uses concentrated, high-intensity light beams instead of a traditional scalpel to cut, vaporize, or remove tissue. Because of its precision and minimally invasive nature, laser surgery is used across a wide range of medical specialties How it works Laser surgery works on the principle of selective photothermolysis, where a specific wavelength of light is targeted at certain tissue cells that contain light-absorbing molecules called chromophores. The laser light is absorbed by the chromophores in the target tissue. The energy is converted into heat, damaging or destroying the targeted cells while leaving surrounding healthy tissue unharmed. Different types of lasers are used depending on the procedure and the tissue being treated. For example, a CO2 laser is often used for surface-level procedures, while a deeper-penetrating Nd:YAG laser can be used for internal issues. Common applications Laser surgery is used for both cosmetic and medical purposes. Ophthalmology (Eye Surgery): LASIK: Reshapes the cornea to correct vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK): Corrects vision by reshaping the cornea without creating a flap. Retinal repair: Seals retinal tears and leaking blood vessels, often used for diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration. Glaucoma: Treats the eye's drainage system to relieve pressure. Cataracts: Used in a laser-assisted procedure to help remove the cloudy lens. Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery: Skin resurfacing: Reduces the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and blemishes. Tattoo and hair removal: Targets pigments in the skin or hair follicles to remove them. Lesion removal: Gets rid of warts, moles, and certain skin cancers. Vascular lesion removal: Treats prominent blood vessels and birthmarks. Oncology (Cancer Treatment): Tumor removal and destruction: Can shrink or destroy tumors and precancerous growths. Photodynamic therapy (PDT): Uses a laser to activate a light-sensitive drug that kills cancer cells. Other specialties: Gastroenterology: Removes early-stage gastrointestinal cancers and controls bleeding ulcers. Urology: Breaks up kidney and gallstones into smaller fragments (laser lithotripsy). Dentistry: Prepares cavities, treats gum disease, and performs other soft-tissue procedures. Benefits and risks Benefits: High precision: Allows surgeons to work on a very small area with minimal damage to surrounding tissue. Minimally invasive: Often results in less bleeding, pain, and scarring compared to traditional surgery. Faster recovery: Patients typically experience shorter recovery times and can return home sooner. Risks: Potential side effects: These can include pain, swelling, scarring, infection, and skin discoloration. Many are temporary, such as dry eyes and glare following LASIK. Possible complications: Though rare, complications can include under or over-correction in vision, flap problems in LASIK, and vision loss. Cost: Many laser procedures, especially cosmetic ones, can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance. Patient eligibility: Not everyone is a suitable candidate. A thorough evaluation by a doctor is necessary to determine if the procedure is appropriate and safe.