Assessment of results of laser surgery

The use of lasers in reproductive pelvic surgery has been established, based more on the reports of clinical experience than demonstration of improved efficacy as compared to other therapeutic modalities. Superiority of one type of laser over another has not been demonstrated. It is the author's opinion that the advantage of using lasers lies in the ability to treat pelvic pathology endoscopically rather than at laparotomy. We have been trained in the use of the laser and find it to be of great use; it is quite possible, however, that other physicians, trained in alternative endoscopic techniques, can achieve similar results. Of course, appropriate clinical trials are needed so that surgical treatments can be based on scientific knowledge rather than clinical impressions. Until such time that this information is available, however, experience gained from clinical observation and reports of clinical outcome do serve as guides for counselling and treating our patients.