Photocoagulation

Photocoagulation is a medical procedure that uses a light source to coagulate tissue. This technique is commonly used in ophthalmology to treat various conditions of the eye.

History

The use of photocoagulation in medicine dates back to the mid-20th century. The first successful application of the technique was in the treatment of retinal detachment, a serious condition that can lead to blindness if left untreated.

Procedure

Photocoagulation involves the use of a laser or other light source to heat and coagulate tissue. The light is absorbed by the tissue, which causes it to heat up and coagulate. This can help to seal off blood vessels, repair retinal tears, or destroy abnormal tissue.

Applications

Photocoagulation is used in a variety of medical applications, including:

• Ophthalmology: Photocoagulation is commonly used to treat conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment.
• Dermatology: The technique can be used to remove skin lesions and to treat conditions such as varicose veins.
• Gastroenterology: Photocoagulation can be used to stop bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

Risks and Complications

Like any medical procedure, photocoagulation carries some risks. These can include pain, infection, and damage to surrounding tissue. In rare cases, the procedure can cause vision loss.

See Also

• Laser coagulation
• Retinal detachment
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Macular degeneration

References

Photocoagulation Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia