title: Instrumentation and techniques in transendoscopic upper respiratory tract laser surgery.
abstract: Transendoscopic laser surgery provides equine surgeons with a safe, reliable, and minimally invasive method of performing many surgical procedures in the upper respiratory tract. Although the Nd:YAG laser has proven efficacy, other newer lasers such as the diode and holmium: YAG lasers may prove to be useful tools for equine upper respiratory tract surgery. Long grasping forceps and a high quality fiberoptic or video endoscope are critical components necessary for performing transendoscopic laser surgery. For many of the most common upper respiratory tract abnormalities, a laryngotomy can be eliminated, morbidity is minimal, the horse can often return to normal exercise in approximately 7 to 14 days, and trainer and owner acceptance is excellent. Transendoscopic laser surgery is most likely to be cost effective in large referral practices or in a university setting.
authors.affiliation: Section of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, USA.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tulleners
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D013522:Surgery, Veterinary / Q000379:methods*; D013525:Surgical Instruments / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*