Intraabdominal surgery with the CO2 laser.

The CO2 laser produces a highly directional and collimated light beam that may be precisely focused to a fine point. Because the laser beam physically removes tissue by vaporization, causes little damage to neighboring cells and seals small vessels, a minimum amount of suture material is required and scar formation is reduced. Although the laser has been utilized commonly in recent years to treat lower genital tract pathology, its application to intraabdominal surgery is in the early developmental phase. Special adaptations of the operative microscope and special accessory instruments are necessary before the laser can be used within the abdominal cavity. One hundred twenty-one cases are described to illustrate the technique and use of the laser for infertility surgery and for the treatment of pelvic endometriosis.