Past, Present, and Future Usage of Lasers in Gynecology

In gynecology, the carbon dioxide (CO

₂

) laser—with its well-discussed capacities for greater precision, cleaner incisions, and faster healing than are possible with conventional methods—has become the treatment method of choice in the management of neoplastic disease of the cervix, vagina, and vulva. The CO

₂

laser has also been adapted to the operating microscope for reconstructive surgery of the female reproductive tract, a crucial factor in cases where preserving reproductive anatomy is desired. In April 1983 the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology Assessment (DATTA) project of the American Association rated the CO

₂

laser as

a safe and established procedure in treating selected cervical, vulvar and vaginal neoplasia and condyloma acuminatum … (especially) where the preservation of normal anatomic function is considered to be of paramount importance … because of reduced scar formation and maintenance of the normal architecture of the reproductive tract.

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