[Holmium:YAG laser in surgical practice in a multidisciplinary hospital center]

The Holmium:YAG laser has been in use at the regional hospital of Montreux, Switzerland. A balance has been drawn at the end of 9 months. 68 surgical operations have been performed; 23 in abdominal surgery, mainly through laparoscopy, and 45 in orthopaedics using scopic viewing. The Holmium:YAG laser is a modern and up-to-date system. It is well adapted to endoscopic surgery owing to its features, its wide scope and safe use. Its price is rather high if used for laparoscopic cholecystectomy only; but the purchase thereof is proving to be a profitable asset for a multiservice surgical team.