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Carbon Dioxide Laser

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."

Last Revised: December 28, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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