title: Contact neodymium:YAG laser surgery in gastroenterology. An updated report.
abstract: Eighty-eight patients have been successfully treated endoscopically without complications using contact neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet: (YAG) laser probes (endoprobes) for tumors and bleeding and during open surgery (laser scalpel) to perform hepatic and pancreatic resections. The contact probes, made from a synthetic sapphire crystal with its optical properties, geometric design, thermal conductivity, and high melting temperature (2030 degrees C), have proven to be more effective than the current conventional non-contact method of delivering laser energy through a quartz fiber. Advantages include greater precision, sterility, avoidance of the tip melting, and lower neodymium: YAG laser energy required, resulting in reduced tissue damage. The configuration of the probes allows coagulation, cutting, or vaporization, depending on the clinical condition being treated.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000601:surgery; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged