LASER IN MEDICINE - THE INTERFACE BETWEEN THE RESEARCHER AND THE CLINICIAN.

Carbon Dioxide laser surgery has assumed an important position in two surgical specialty areas; gynecology and otolaryngology. In gynecological surgery during the past six years there have been definite advances in the use of the carbon dioxide laser for the therapy of pre-cancerous lesions (intraepithelial neoplasias) of the female reproductive tract and in the field of intra-abdominal surgery. The carbon dioxide laser has been used to oblate endometriosis and also in tubal microsurgery for infertility. The carbon dioxide laser holds tremendous promise for other uses such as debulking procedures involving pelvic cancers. Necessary improvements in laser design are pointed out.