Laser Surgery
The Nd:YAG laser provides a non-invasive method of treating a variety of surgical conditions. Applied via the glass fibre through the biopsy channel of an endoscope, the laser has allowed the treatment of laryngeal hemiplegia and dorsal displacement of the soft palate, as well as ablation of some tumours of both the upper and lower respiratory tract. Surgical ablation of lesions, including cysts and tumours of the urogenital tract, has been carried out effectively by this non-invasive approach.
For the last five years we have also been using a diode laser and in some circumstances this is preferable to a Nd:YAG laser. We continue to find diverse use for laser surgery under endoscopic control in all sites where endoscopy can be performed. Both the diode and Nd:YAG laser are commonly used in the removal of equine sarcoids and other skin tumours. Surgery is carried out under general anaesthesia, or in some cases under local anaesthesia, and seems to offer a most effective way of managing such often frustrating lesions.
