The safe use of CO2 lasers in surgery

Abstract

The carbon-dioxide laser has been used in surgery for some 16 years now. The author estimates that more than 20,000 procedures have been done, worldwide, with this unique surgical modality since Dr. Stanley Stellar performed his pioneering experiments with the CO2 laser in surgery. Today there is hardly any medical specialty in which the CO2 laser does not have some valid surgical applications. Its distinct advantages have won it a permanent place in the growing array of surgical devices.The carbon-dioxide laser has been used in surgery for some 16 years now. The author estimates that more than 20,000 procedures have been done, worldwide, with this unique surgical modality since Dr. Stanley Stellar performed his pioneering experiments with the CO2 laser in surgery. Today there is hardly any medical specialty in which the CO2 laser does not have some valid surgical applications. Its distinct advantages have won it a permanent place in the growing array of surgical devices.