Techniques of Laser Colposcopic Surgery

Abstract

Although the laser principle was proposed in 1958 by Schawlow and Townes, the carbon dioxide laser was not developed until approximately 8 years later. Jako (1972) coupled the CO₂ laser with the microscope, taking advantage of the properties of the laser that make it clinically attractive. The ability to project the beam into a cavity was foremost in this application. The development of the micromanipulator made precise beam guidance and controlled depth of destruction available in a clinically useful fashion. Subsequent simultaneous projection of a helium-neon (HeNe) laser directly on the tissues to be treated made the CO₂ laser beam more easily identifiable prior to treating the tissues. Kaplan et al. (1973) first used the laser in gynecologic surgery in 1973. Bellina (1977), Carter et al. (1978), Schellhas (1978), and Stafl et al. (1977) all presented papers on the subject. The early clinical experiments have given way to clinical experience, and the use of the laser is now well established in gynecology.