As you know, in recent decades, medicine has been developing particularly rapidly. Various fields of this vast science are being studied. Achievements are celebrated in every branch of medicine. This applies not only to the theoretical knowledge base, but also to practical skills. Surgical treatment is no exception. Previously, all surgical interventions were performed by open access - that is, it was necessary to make incisions on the organs.
There is currently an alternative to this method. Almost every patient can be offered surgery with a laser. Unlike open surgery, this method is safer and less traumatic. Laser surgery is preferred not only by patients, but also by doctors. This is associated with a quick recovery after the procedure and a lower risk of complications.
Laser principle
In today's world, laser surgery is no longer considered a luxury. Medical equipment for such interventions is available in almost all clinics. Laser action is based on its thermal radiation. The device consists of a resonator (several mirror surfaces) and an active system. Due to the effects of laser radiation, tissue destruction occurs. The luminous flux emanating from the device is highly directional. Currently, laser radiation is also transmitted through endoscopic devices. Therefore, operations on internal organs without a cut on the skin became possible.
There are several varieties of laser devices. Some of them act by means of radiation, others are used for evaporation (vaporization) of tissues. Highly specific laser systems have also been developed that have the ability to penetrate into organs in layers. Equipment has a different wavelength and light scattering area.
What industries use a laser?
Laser equipment is used in almost all areas of medicine. Operations are carried out on internal organs, blood vessels, skin and eyes. Using a laser, you can get rid of an inguinal or intervertebral hernia, remove adenoma of the prostate gland. A great achievement is the effect of radiation in ophthalmic practice. Laser surgery allows you to restore visual acuity, transplant the cornea and even change the color of the eyes. Also, this equipment is widely used in gynecology.
Thanks to laser coagulation, you can get rid of cervical erosion and other formations (leukoplakia, polyps). Another area of application of this method is cosmetology. Using a laser, various papillomas, age spots, etc. are removed. In addition, the radiation method is used in general surgery, urology, otolaryngology, etc.
The benefits of laser surgery
Laser surgery compared with open surgical manipulation has several advantages. First of all, it does not require a tissue incision. This avoids not only scars on the body, but also reduces the risk of postoperative complications. Another advantage of this method is the quick recovery of the body after the intervention. In some branches of medicine (gynecology, cosmetology), laser operations are performed on an outpatient basis and take only 15-20 minutes.
Thanks to the emergence and spread of this method, the number of patients refusing treatment began to decrease markedly. This is due to the fact that laser operations do not cause fear in patients, in contrast to the usual surgical procedures. Also, this method allowed to reduce the time spent by patients in the hospital.
In what cases is laser treatment contraindicated?
Despite the advantages of laser treatment, this method can not be used in all cases. Depending on what kind of operation the patient needs, special contraindications are distinguished. There are also conditions in which any laser intervention is prohibited. They are called general contraindications. These include: blood diseases - thrombophilia, the presence of severe pathologies of the internal organs (decompensated cardiac, renal failure), degenerative processes of the spine, blood vessels. There are special contraindications for vision correction. These include: childhood, pregnancy and lactation. Also, an operation cannot be performed if a decrease in visual acuity is observed less than 1 year.
As for varicose veins, this method is not used in patients who are unable to walk and wear elastic stockings immediately after the intervention (paralysis, obesity). With the expansion of the saphenous vein by more than 1 cm, the strong tortuosity of the vessels and the presence of a focus of inflammation, the laser is also contraindicated. After surgery, the patient should lead an active lifestyle in the early days, and in the presence of the listed conditions, this is impossible. Endoscopic interventions are not performed in the case of an unspecified diagnosis and a large affected area.
Laser operations in ophthalmic practice
Currently, laser vision correction is widespread. It is widely available worldwide. People with long-term myopia can now quickly and painlessly restore their vision. For this, it is enough to undergo the necessary examination. The method is the effect of laser radiation on the cornea. As a result, it changes its shape, and the image focuses on the retina. In addition to vision correction, other laser eye operations are also performed. For example, a corneal transplant.
Previously, this procedure was related to open surgical interventions, in which it is necessary to make incisions and stitches. Currently undergoing laser surgery, which is much safer. Also, work is underway to change eye color using radiation. Several people have already tried this method and were satisfied with the result.
Laser eye surgery: reviews of patients and doctors
The use of laser equipment in ophthalmology has allowed millions of people to return normal vision. This method, according to doctors, is considered a major breakthrough in medicine. Thanks to laser correction, many people refused to constantly wear glasses and contact lenses. Patients who underwent this treatment were satisfied with the result.
In most cases, vision was restored to 100%, both in cases of myopia, and with farsightedness and astigmatism. Repeated visual impairment is rare. The same goes for complications.
Vein Laser Surgery
Laser surgery on veins can be carried out by various specialists. It depends on the area in which vascular damage is observed. Indications for intervention can serve as extended hemorrhoidal veins, "stars" on the face and body. In any of these conditions, a laser operation is performed. Varicose veins on the legs is considered the most common reason for seeking medical attention from the total number of vascular pathologies. Treatment of the venous system is called endovasal laser coagulation. It consists in the effect of warm radiation on the inner surface of the vessel. In the place where the laser beam acts, blood flow stops. As a result, extra veins seem to be “sealed”. Laser surgery is common in vascular surgery and proctology. They are also performed in cosmetology to remove varicose veins on the face ("stars" on the nose), small hemangiomas.
Laser surgery for hemorrhoids
Laser hemorrhoid surgery is not performed as often as with other vein pathologies. However, if the patient wishes and there are no contraindications, such an intervention is not excluded. Laser equipment for proctologic operations is available only in specialized clinics. The indication for coagulation (cauterization) of hemorrhoidal veins is frequent small bleeding from the anus. Unlike surgery, laser exposure is almost painless and does not require a long recovery period.
With hemorrhoidal nodes located outside, the intervention is transdermal, that is, subcutaneously. If the veins are inside the rectum, a special device, an anoscope, is needed to inject the laser. After the operation, the nutrition of hemorrhoidal nodes stops, and they die. It should be remembered that with massive bleeding observed in the last stage of the disease, laser treatment is not shown. In this case, surgical intervention is necessary.
Laser surgery for varicose veins
Recently, a laser leg operation has often been performed. The indication for this procedure is varicose veins of the lower extremities. Before the operation, local anesthesia is performed. Then, a light guide is inserted into the popliteal region. The affected vein coagulates, after which the blood flow in it is disturbed. Unlike surgical removal of the vessel, the recovery period takes hours. Almost immediately after laser coagulation, the patient puts on compression underwear and can leave the clinic. Wearing stockings is necessary for 1.5-2 months.
Can a hernia be removed with a laser?
Laser hernia surgery is called vaporization. This procedure has been used since the end of the last century. Thanks to “evaporation”, not only inguinal and umbilical hernias can be removed, but also intervertebral protrusions. After local anesthesia, the laser is introduced into the cartilage through a small puncture. The light beam is heated to 70 degrees, so that the water in the intervertebral disc evaporates, and the hernia itself is destroyed.
3-6 months after surgery, patients feel a noticeable improvement. Repeated hernia formation is extremely rare, since the intervertebral disc undergoes fibrosis.
Reviews: laser operations and their advantages
Reviews of patients after laser treatment are positive. All patients are satisfied not only with the result of treatment, but also with the method itself. The following advantages of laser operations are distinguished:
- The absence of cosmetic defects (scars).
- The speed of the operation.
- Painlessness.
- Shortening the postoperative period, quick recovery.
- The patient can begin to work almost immediately after laser treatment.
- Many operations are performed in a clinic.