A comparative study on application of Nd-YAG laser radiation and electrocautery in canine gastric mucosa--magnified observations by dissecting microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and histological examinations.

The mucosal change, the depth of injury and the healing process in the canine gastric wall after Nd-YAG laser (YAG) exposure and electrocautery were studied comparatively by magnified observations. The results were as follows: 1. Mucosal changes caused by the YAG laser beam were more localized within the exposure area than those by electric current. 2. The depth of tissue damage to the canine gastric wall by YAG laser exposure was easy to control when compared to that caused by electrocautery. 3. The healing time of the ulcer caused by the YAG laser was shorter than that caused by high frequency current. 4. In the present study on the mucosal changes due to laser exposure and electrocautery using endoscopy, dissecting microscopy and SEM, it was found that these examinations appear to be helpful as experimental procedures to clarify the detailed appearance of the mucosal surface. It was suggested that endoscopic application of the YAG laser to the gastrointestinal tract was safe and effective when compared with other procedures which have been applied endoscopically for diagnosis and treatment.