Are lasers used in brain or spine surgery?
Up until about ten years ago, lasers had a limited role in both brain and spine surgery. Today however, lasers are used on some endoscopic spine procedures. Even these procedures are not performed routinely throughout the world. Other surgical techniques have been developed that are safer and more accurate than those using the laser. The main problem with lasers is that they are difficult to focus. If the length of the laser beam is not measured correctly, it can shoot through the desired tissue and damage normal brain and spinal structures.
