Laser Surgery in Otolaryngology: Basic Principles and Safety Considerations

摘要

Laser light is the brightest monochromatic (single color) light existing today.Besides being a standard tool of the research lab, the laser is currently used in communications, surveying, manufacturing, diagnostic medicine and surgery. Supermarket bar code scanners and the compact disk player have even moved lasers into everyday life. The addition of lasers and the development of new lasers to the surgical armamentarium in otolaryngology--head and neck surgery offers new and exciting possibilities to improve conventional techniques and to expand the scope of this specialty. The purpose of this chapter is to review the principles, applications, and safety considerations associated with the use of lasers in the upper aerodigestive tract. It is hoped that the material presented here will provide a foundation upon which the otolaryngologist--head and neck surgeon can begin to apply this exciting technology in his daily practice.