Laser ablation is surgery performed with a laser instead of a scalpel. Doctors — or, more specifically, radiologists — use a laser beam to heat up and vaporize unwanted or diseased tissue. The procedure is safe and effective, but requires a high degree of skill. There are many types of lasers for different uses, ranging from tattoo removal to heart surgery.
Laser ablation has become a popular choice for many reasons. It is safe and causes no damage to surrounding tissue. It is mostly done in the doctor's office, as an outpatient service, which makes it less costly than a hospital-based surgery. The recovery period is much shorter for the patient and the incision is so tiny that it does not leave a scar.
Most surgeries carry a risk of infection, but that risk is minimized with laser ablation. There is no direct contact with any body parts, so there is no chance to spread infection. Laser ablation procedures usually only require the use of a local anesthetic. This means the patient is awake during the surgery and able to return home shortly after its completion.
The laser beam used in laser ablation is precise and can be used in hard-to-reach areas without disturbing surrounding tissue. Laser ablation is often used for brain and liver surgeries. It is frequently used to destroy varicose veins. Laser ablation is also used to remove plaque from arteries. Even back and neck surgery are now being done with a laser.
The successful use of laser ablation has led to a surge in cosmetic surgeries being performed. It provides a simple way to remove wrinkles, tattoos, scars, moles, warts and stretch marks. It is nearly pain-free, and there are no side effects. Results are immediately visible.
Diseases can also be removed by laser surgery. A laser can be used in dentistry to destroy the bacteria and infected tissue associated with gum disease. Endometriosis can be eliminated with a laser, though there is some debate about whether it helps or hurts a woman's fertility. Some treatments of retinal disease also require the use of a laser beam to destroy abnormal blood vessels in the retina.
LASIK eye surgery involves a form of laser ablation. A laser is used to remove unwanted tissue from the cornea of the eye to permanently change its shape and improve vision. The precision achieved through the use of a laser beam makes this surgery very successful and reduces recovery time over traditional eye surgery.