Physicians use laser surgery to remove diseased tissue or treat blood vessels that are bleeding, as well as for cosmetic surgery procedures like tattoo, wrinkle and birthmark removal. Lasers, or beams of light, focus exactly on targeted cells, heating them until the cells are destroyed. Healing time varies, along with side effects, depending on the area of the body being treated. Hazards of laser surgery include atmospheric contamination, venous gas embolism and inappropriate heat transfer.
Atmospheric Contamination
Atmospheric contamination refers to infection by smoke and other fine particulates created by tissue vaporization by the laser during surgery. A danger of laser surgery, these particles may potentially cause pneumonia, bronchiolitis and reduction in the size of mucus passages. Physicians warn against inhaling smoke created during laser surgery, as ingesting the particles from the vaporization of a gram of tissue equates to smoking three to six cigarettes. According to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia, laser smoke may also have mutagenic qualities and may carry viral DNA or bacterial spores.
Venous Gas Embolism
A venous gas embolism can occur during laser surgery when the inner cavity of a vein is exposed to air or other gases combined with a change in blood pressure. This gas enters the vein and enters the heart, potentially blocking the blood flow out of the right ventricle. Small emboli present few dangers, but other sizes may be fatal or result in respiratory, cardiovascular and neurologic dysfunction. According to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, venous gas embolism is most often reported during laparoscopic laser surgery and during laser resection of tracheal tumors.
Inappropriate Heat Transfer
One hazard of laser surgery that occurs outside the patient's body is inappropriate heat transfer. Physicians engaged in laser surgery run the risk of causing fires in the operating room if the laser points at anything other than the operation site. Equipment, staff and even the patient may be damaged or injured. The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital recommends posting warnings on operating rooms in which laser surgery takes place, as well as covering windows into the operating room and moistening drapes. Recommendations also include mandating goggles with side guards for all staff present.
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