Other Techniques of Surgery
Other techniques of surgery:
In addition to using traditional instruments such as surgical knives in surgery, both open and minimally invasive surgery can use the following alternative techniques, depending on diagnosis:
A laser is a device that emits a concentrated beam of light radiation. A laser beam can cauterize a wound, repair damaged tissue, or destroy cells under the beam, allowing for cutting through tissue without damaging neighboring cells. Laser has been used in place of surgical cutting instruments in various surgeries, including eye surgery, gynecological procedures, removal of skin marks, and excising small tumors.
Surgery can also be performed with electrical instruments that operate on high-frequency electric currents. Some examples of electrosurgery include electrocoagulation (which helps in clotting of blood to control bleeding) and electrodesiccation (the destroying of tissue with an electric current for such things as removing small growths).
Last Reviewed Date: 10/29/2014
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