Evaluation and Installation of Surgical Laser Systems

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xii

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2. Biophysics, Advantages, and Installation of Laser Systems

   • David B. Apfelberg

   Pages 1-17

3. Administrative Responsibilities of Laser Surgery: Financial and Legal Aspects

   • Julia A. Kneedler, Judith I. Pfister

   Pages 18-33

4. Administrative Responsibility for Laser Surgery: Nursing and Administration Roles

   • Carolyn J. Mackety

   Pages 34-53

5. Implementation and Management of a Laser Program

   • Frances Gray, Harry Mittelman

   Pages 54-68

6. A Summary of Safety Considerations for the Medical and Surgical Practitioner

   • John A. Holmes

   Pages 69-95

7. Past, Present, and Future Usage of Lasers in Ophthalmology

   • Edwin E. Boldrey

   Pages 96-126

8. Past, Present, and Future Usage of Lasers in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

   • Robert H. Ossoff, James A. Duncavage

   Pages 127-149

9. Past, Present, and Future Usage of Lasers in Gynecology

   • Joseph H. Bellina, Ana C. Fick, Jeff D. Jackson

   Pages 150-179

10. Past, Present, and Future Usage of Lasers in Clinical Neurosurgery

    • James E. Boggan, Michael S. B. Edwards

    Pages 180-194

11. Past, Present, and Future Usage of Lasers in General Surgery

    • John A. Dixon

    Pages 195-209

12. Past, Present, and Future Usage of Lasers in Plastic Surgery, Dermatology, and Podiatry

    • David B. Apfelberg, Morton R. Maser, Harvey Lash, David N. White, Teruko Smith

    Pages 210-228

13. Past, Present, and Future Usage of the Laser in Urology

    • Barry B. Stein

    Pages 229-242

14. Past, Present, and Future Usage of Lasers in Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Hemostasis

    • Richard M. Dwyer, Richard G. Block

    Pages 243-251

15. Hematoporphyrin Photomedicine of Cancer

    • Michael W. Berns

    Pages 252-264

16. Back Matter

    Pages 265-324

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The advent in the 1960s of the unique and exciting new form of energy called laser brought to medicine a marvelous tool that could accomplish new treatments of previously untreatable disorders as well as improved treat­ ment of mundane problems. This brilliant form of light energy is many times more powerful than the energy of the sun yet can be focused microscopically to spot sizes as small as 30 microns. Lasers can be directed into seemingly inaccessible areas by mirrors or fiberoptic cables or can be directly applied into sensitive areas such as the retina without damage to intervening structures. There has been a rapid proliferation in the use of lasers in all surgical specialties. Starting with bold ideas and experiments of "thought leaders" in each specialty, the application of lasers has evolved into commonplace usage. Beginning with the era when laser presentations and publications were an oddity, now nearly all specialty areas have whole sections of meetings or journals devoted exclusively to laser usage. Laser specialty societies within a specialty have developed and residency training programs routinely instruct trainees in laser techniques. Basic science and clinical experimentation has supported laser knowledge. Laser usage has also become international. Newer wavelengths and accessories have added to the armamentarium of laser usage. Despite the rapid growth in laser interest, no single source exists to instruct the many new laser users in proper, safe, and effective use of this new modality.

• cancer
• medicine
• neurosurgery
• nursing
• otolaryngology
• plastic surgery
• safety
• surgery
• urology
• abdominal surgery

• Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Palo Alto, USA

  David B. Apfelberg

Policies and ethics