title: Laser technology and applications in gynaecology.
abstract: The term 'laser' is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers are commonly described by the emitted wavelength, which determines the colour of the light, as well as the active lasing medium. Currently, over 40 types of lasers have been developed with a wide range of both industrial and medical uses. Gas and solid-state lasers are frequently used in surgical applications, with CO2 and Ar being the most common examples of gas lasers, and the Nd:YAG and KTP:YAG being the most common examples of solid-state lasers. At present, it appears that the CO2, Nd:YAG, and KTP lasers provide alternative methods for achieving similar results, as opposed to superior results, when compared with traditional endoscopic techniques, such as cold-cutting monopolar and bipolar energy. This review focuses on the physics, tissue interaction, safety and applications of commonly used lasers in gynaecological surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Scripps Clinic Medical Group, San Diego, CA 92108, USA. marisa.adelman17@gmail.com
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Adelman
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.forename: E P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Tangchitnob
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Kahn
mesh_terms: D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D054020:Lasers, Gas / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055620:Optical Phenomena