Endoscopic cholecystectomy with the holmium:YAG laser: preliminary report.
In the first clinical trial of its kind, the author used a pulsed holmium:YAG laser to perform endoscopic gallbladder removal in 10 patients.  Compared to other endoscopic laser systems, the holmium:YAG produced relatively shallow tissue penetration.  As a cutting instrument, it allowed faster dissection than other lasers.  As a coagulating instrument, it provided such satisfactory hemostasis that no other hemostatic method was needed.  This preliminary trial left no doubt that the holmium:YAG is a excellent laser for laparoscopic surgery, particularly removal of the gallbladder.
Department of Surgery, HCA Medical Center Hospital, Houston, TX.
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Rubio
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002763:Cholecystectomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D002764:Cholecystitis / Q000601:surgery; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008875:Middle Aged