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A carbon dioxide laser uses carbon dioxide gas as the active substance in a highly focused beam of light to cut or destroy tissue during surgery. Laser light cleans (sterilizes) and seals as it cuts tissue, which reduces bleeding and pain and shortens the healing time.
Lasers are used for many different types of surgery, including dental surgery, eye surgery, surgery on the female reproductive organs, hemorrhoid surgery, and plastic surgery.
The word "laser" is an acronym of "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation."
Current as of: November 30, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & Femi Olatunbosun MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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