The normal types of surgeries involve the use of tools and equipment. For laser surgeries, there is a special type of light used for the procedures. In the long-form, laser means Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The discovery of lasers goes back to Albert Einstein’s theory, and the lasers were first developed in 1960. Today, lasers are mostly used for cosmetic procedures for individuals who want to rectify problems with their skins. As technology advances, doctors can now access reliable laser equipment like Alma lasers for quality results. This article will explain to you how lasers are used in surgery.
Types of Surgeries that Use Lasers
Lasers are used in different types of surgeries. The common ones include
- Destroying or decreasing of tumors
- Dental surgery
- Sealing and removal of blood vessels
- Eye surgery
- Treatment of skin conditions like removing warts, acne, tattoos, scars birthmarks, and getting rid of unwanted hair.
How Are Lasers Used in Surgery?
Lasers are beams of lights that rectify a specific condition. When the shaft of light hits the skin, the skin is able to scatter, absorb, reflect or allow the light to spread through different layers that react in different ways. The chromosomes absorb the light, and this causes a change in the physical, chemical and temperature of the skin tissues. The techniques of laser treatments are basically centered on the process. For instance, when removing a tumor, a lighted, flexible tube called an endoscope is used to direct the laser and viewing the tissues. This tube is inserted in an opening in the body like the mouth where the doctor targets the tumor and the laser either shrinks or destroys the tumor. The lasers are delivered intermittently or continuously. For parts that might not be easy to reach, fiber optics are used.
During cancer treatment, different types of lasers can be used. These include;
Laser-induced Interstitial Thermotherapy. LITT utilizes lasers in heating the specific part of the body. The lasers are targeted near the place having the tumor. When the heat near the tumor rises, the tumor either diminishes or the cancer cells are destroyed.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) Lasers. These lasers remove a tinny layer of the skin and best form removing cancerous cells on the skin.
Argon Lasers. These lights penetrate shallow layers like the skin. PDT uses argon lasers for triggering the chemicals in cancerous cells.
Nd: YAG Laser. The lasers pierce even to the deep skin and can cause blood clotting. The lasers are focused through fiber optics to influence the internal and hard-to-access parts. For example, Nd: YAG is used to treat cancer of the throat.
There is a variety of lasers, and each has its specific use. In every case, the beam color matches the sort of surgery and the color of the part under treatment.
Conclusion
Laser treatments are less complex and less invasive compared to traditional procedures. They cause fewer damages to the body tissues and do not have downtime. The surgical period is short and can be carried out on outpatient terms. The good thing about laser surgery is that there are only mild side effects and a short time for recovery.
