Laser Characteristics in Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopy is a surgical technique that has been utilized by gynecologists for over 30 years to diagnose and treat various conditions.The introduction of medical thermal lasers facilitated the delivery of precise controlled energy into the Laparoscopic arena.Due to the number of laser wavelengths available and delivery modalities, the laparoscopist must consider several factors when choosing which laser to utilize in the laparoscopic environment.These factors include precision, ease of operation and delivery, hemostatic cutting and vaporization capabilities, versatility and safety.A brief historical review of laser in Laparoscopy will precede a presentation on the advantages and disadvantages of each wavelength and delivery modality.The wavelengths that will be discussed are CO2, Nd;YAG, Argon, Contact Nd;YAG and KTP.Each wavelength has introduced new advances in laparoscopic surgery while being very different in the way they interact with tissue.With the advance of operative laparoscopy, the laser will continue to be a vital tool in the gynecologist's surgical armamentarium.Dr. James F. Daniell, of Nashville, Tennessee, a laser laparoscopic pioneer in North America, has extensive laparoscopic experience with all the various wavelengths.Dr. Daniell was the first surgeon in North America to use CO2 and KTP lasers in laparoscopic procedures.Dr. Daniell's experience will provide a basis for the discussion of the comparisons and contrasts between laser systems.