Laser assisted surgery: the San Pablo experience

Two thousand plus (2,000+) assisted laser surgical procedures were performed between July 1986 and November 1993. Multiwavelength specialties: Argon, CO2 and NdYAG usage include: general surgery, thoracic surgery, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, and gynecology. 65% of the patients were female whose ages range from 6 to 105 years. Endoscopic vs. handheld procedures ratios 1:1. In 95% of the cases attended, the procedures were performed for benign conditions. The office hospital usage distribution was 60-40%. The office morbidity was 0.8% (16 out of 2,000 cases) and a mortality of 0.15% (3 out of 2,000 cases). A reported 100% safety compliance was seen. Laser assisted surgery is a safe, effective and reliable option available to the surgeon's armamentarium. It appears that in some procedures it will allow shorter hospital stays and an earlier return of the patient to his/her normal routine.