Laser safety training and programs as they relate to otorhinolaryngology - Head and neck surgery

Abstract

The use of lasers in the field of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Orl-HNS) has augmented the physician’s ability to take care of problems for the patient in a manner which is much improved over previous techniques. The treatment of some airway diseases has been particularly enhanced by the use of the laser.Orl-HNS is virtually unique among the medical specialties in that a wide variety of lasers are utilized on many different types of lesions via all available delivery systems. Therefore, almost any conceivable combination of laser-tissue interaction must be considered by the surgeon. Because of this fact, it is very important that comprehensive laser safety training and laser safety programs be stressed to those members of our specialty using lasers.To this end, this presentation will review those items of laser safety that should be addressed in residency training programs as well as in postgraduate courses. In addition, a model laser safety program for a healthcare facility, specific to the nature of this program, many other specialties will find useful information here and the program could easily be used as a basis for expansion into a hospital-wide program.Finally, reviews will be presented to support the efficacy of both safety training and safety programs in order to show that they really do make a difference.The use of lasers in the field of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Orl-HNS) has augmented the physician’s ability to take care of problems for the patient in a manner which is much improved over previous techniques. The treatment of some airway diseases has been particularly enhanced by the use of the laser.Orl-HNS is virtually unique among the medical specialties in that a wide variety of lasers are utilized on many different types of lesions via all available delivery systems. Therefore, almost any conceivable combination of laser-tissue interaction must be considered by the surgeon. Because of this fact, it is very important that comprehensive laser safety training and laser safety programs be stressed to those members of our specialty using lasers.To this end, this presentation will review those items of laser safety that should be addressed in residency training programs as well as in postgraduate courses. In addition, a model laser safety program for a healthcare facility, specific to th...