title: Laser techniques in gynaecology.
abstract: Lasers have been in use for 15 years in laparoscopic surgery. The CO2-laser in particular has become very popular in the field of gynaecology for the treatment of endometriosis and adhesions. Results achieved with the CO2-laser seem to be superior to those of conventional instruments, although only a small number of randomised prospective studies exist. Fibre lasers, such as the Nd:YAG-, KTP, and Argon-lasers combine vaporisation- and/or coagulation-effects within the same operating instrument. Time-consuming changes of instruments during the procedure are unnecessary. Nevertheless, technical problems and high costs of these laser systems on the one hand, and unfulfilled and unrealistic expectations by physicians and patients alike on the other hand hinder wide-spread use of this technique.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Frauenklinik Dr. Kruesmann, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Keckstein
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sasse
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Roth
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Karageorgieva
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tuttlies
mesh_terms: D004715:Endometriosis / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000601:surgery*; D006176:Gynecology / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000601:surgery; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000601:surgery; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery