As you know, in recent decades, medicine has been developing particularly rapidly. Various areas 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 laser surgery. Unlike open surgical interventions, this method is safer and less traumatic. Laser surgery is preferred not only by patients, but also by doctors. This is due to a quick recovery after the procedure and a lower risk of complications.
Laser operation principle
In today's world, laser surgery is no longer considered a luxury. Medical equipment for such interventions is available in almost all clinics. The action of the laser is based on its thermal radiation. The device consists of a resonator (several mirror surfaces) and an activesystems. Due to the effect of laser radiation, tissue destruction occurs. The light flux emanating from the device is highly directional. Currently, laser radiation is also transmitted through endoscopic devices. Therefore, operations on internal organs without an incision in the skin became possible.
There are several types of laser machines. Some of them act with the help of radiation, others are used for evaporation (vaporization) of tissues. Highly specific laser devices have also been developed, which have the ability to penetrate organs in layers. The equipment has different wavelength and light scattering area.
Which branches of medicine use laser?
Laser equipment is used in almost all areas of medicine. Operations are carried out on the internal organs, blood vessels, skin and eyes. With the help of a laser, you can get rid of an inguinal or intervertebral hernia, remove prostate adenoma. 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. With the help of a laser, various papillomas, age spots, etc. are removed. In addition, the radiation method is used in general surgery, urology,otolaryngology, etc.
Advantages of laser surgery
Laser surgery has a number of advantages over open surgery. First of all, it does not require 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 rapid recovery of the body after the intervention. In some branches of medicine (gynecology, cosmetology), laser surgeries 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 noticeably decrease. 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 has reduced the time spent by patients in the hospital.
When 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, there are special contraindications. 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 internal organs (decompensated heart, kidney failure), degenerative processes of the spine, blood vessels. There are special contraindications for vision correction. These include: childhoodpregnancy and lactation. Also, surgery should not be performed if the decrease in visual acuity has been observed for 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, a strong tortuosity of the vessels and the presence of a focus of inflammation, the laser is also contraindicated. After the operation, the patient should lead an active lifestyle already in the first days, and in the presence of the listed conditions this is impossible. Endoscopic interventions are not performed in 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 throughout the world. People suffering from myopia for a long time can now quickly and painlessly restore their vision. To do this, you just need to pass the necessary examination. The method consists in the effect of laser radiation on the cornea. As a result, it changes its shape, and the image is focused on the retina. In addition to vision correction, other laser eye surgeries are also performed. For example, a corneal transplant.
This procedure was previously classified as open surgery, which requires incisions and stitches. Laser surgery is currently being performed, which is much safer. Work is also underway to change the color of the eyes with the help of radiation. Somepeople have already tried this method and were satisfied with the result.
Laser eye surgery: reviews from patients and doctors
The use of laser equipment in ophthalmology has restored normal vision to millions of people. This method, according to doctors, is considered a major breakthrough in medicine. Thanks to laser correction, many people have abandoned the constant wearing of glasses and contact lenses. Patients who underwent this treatment method were satisfied with the result.
In most cases, vision was restored to 100%, both in cases of myopia, and in cases of hyperopia and astigmatism. Repeated disturbances of visibility are rare. The same goes for complications.
Vein laser surgery
Venous laser surgery can be performed by various specialists. It depends on the area in which the vascular damage is observed. Dilated hemorrhoidal veins, "asterisks" on the face and body can serve as indications for intervention. In any of these conditions, laser surgery is performed. Varicose veins in the legs are considered the most common reason for visiting a doctor 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, the blood flow stops. As a result, the extra veins seem to be "soldered". Laser surgeries are common in vascular surgery and proctology. They are also performed in cosmetology forremoval of varicose veins on the face ("asterisks" on the nose), small hemangiomas.
Laser surgery for hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoid laser 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 proctological operations is available only in specialized clinics. Indications for coagulation (cauterization) of the hemorrhoidal veins are frequent small bleeding from the anus. Unlike surgery, laser exposure is virtually painless and does not require a long recovery period.
With hemorrhoids located outside, the intervention is carried out transdermally, that is, subcutaneously. If the veins are inside the rectum, a special device, an anoscope, is required to insert the laser. After the operation, the supply of hemorrhoids stops, and they die. It should be remembered that with massive bleeding observed in the last stage of the disease, laser treatment is not indicated. In this case, surgery is necessary.
Laser surgery for varicose veins
Recently, laser surgery on the legs has become common. 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 surgicalremoval of the vessel, the recovery period takes a few hours. Almost immediately after laser coagulation, the patient puts on compression underwear and can leave the clinic. Stockings are required for 1.5-2 months.
Can a hernia be removed with a laser?
The operation of a hernia with a laser is called vaporization. This procedure has been used since the end of the last century. Thanks to "evaporation" it is possible to remove not only inguinal and umbilical hernias, but also intervertebral protrusions. After local anesthesia, the laser is injected into the cartilage tissue through a small puncture. The light beam heats up to 70 degrees, due to which the water in the intervertebral disc evaporates, and the hernia itself collapses.
Through 3-6 months after surgery, patients feel a noticeable improvement. Re-herniation is extremely rare, as the intervertebral disc undergoes fibrosis.
Reviews: laser operations and their benefits
Reviews of patients after laser treatment are positive. All patients are satisfied not only with the result of the treatment, but also with the method itself. The following advantages of laser operations are distinguished:
- No cosmetic defects (scars).
- Fast operation.
- Painless.
- Shorter postoperative period, faster recovery.
- The patient can start working almost immediately after laser treatment.
- Many surgeries are performed in outpatient settings.
