Laparoscopic laser surgery is performed under general anesthesia. A 1 cm incision is made through the navel, and the abdominal cavity is inflated by giving 3 to 4 liters of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas with the help of a needle. Then, an optical tube (laparoscope) is inserted into the abdomen by entering through the navel. This optical system is connected to a video camera system and the intraabdominal image is projected onto the monitor screen. In this way, the laparoscope can be directed to any area in the abdomen and viewed on the monitor. Then, two 0.5 cm holes are made in the groin areas. These holes are used to insert the instruments to be used in the operation.
Unlike conventional laparoscopy operations, in laparoscopic laser surgery, a laser system is attached to the tip of the laparoscope, apart from the camera. Thus, inside the laparoscope there is an optical channel and a second channel through which the laser beams will pass. With the laser energy controlled by the surgeon, procedures such as cutting, burning and stopping bleeding during the surgery can be performed in the abdominal organs.
The use of laser brings many advantages to laparoscopic surgery, and it also significantly shortens the operation time. The shortening of the operation time, on the other hand, provides that the patient receives less anesthesia and recovers faster. The laser device is mounted on the laparoscope, which is entered through the navel via the laser arm. The laser device produces laser beams released by atoms that are stimulated and activated by electrical energy. By means of the mirrors in the laser arm, the direction of the laser beams is changed and they are delivered to the desired organ or region. Various laser sources (CO2, Argon, Nd:YAG laser, etc.) are used in laparoscopic surgery. In our center, especially CO2 laser is used for this purpose. It has many advantages over other laser types.
Application of laparoscopic laser surgery is seen
Many operations can be performed both with the help of laser and with instruments inserted through two 0.5 cm holes in the inguinal region. The laser light allows the operation by using it like a knife in the abdomen. With this technique, simple operations such as tubal ligation for birth control can be performed, as well as advanced operations such as myoma removal and removal of the uterus can also be easily performed through these 3 holes.
