The use of the argon laser in the treatment of experimental endometriosis

The argon laser offers several theoretical advantages over excision, electrocautery, or CO2 laser therapy for the treatment of peritoneal implants of endometriosis. Therefore, a study of the feasibility of the argon laser for the treatment of endometriosis was performed using five virgin New Zealand White rabbits. Following 6 days of estrogen administration, each animal underwent laparotomy with excision of the right uterine horn. Sections of endometrium were sutured to several peritoneal surfaces. Approximately 3 weeks later the endometrial implants were photocoagulated with the argon laser (488 nm, 2 W, 2-mm spot size, 3 to 5 seconds). Histologic examination of the sites of laser therapy demonstrated complete ablation of the endometriosis with 0.25-mm damage to the underlying tissue and surrounding tissue.