Complications of foot surgery. Laser surgery.

The carbon dioxide laser, when used surgically, is a possible source of complications. Knowledge of laser physics, tissue effects, and target tissue anatomy are of the utmost importance for minimizing complications. This article seeks to elucidate the factors involved in laser beam physics and the effect of these factors on target tissue, based on specific tissue anatomy. Common tissue complications and specific procedure-oriented complications that may arise as a result of laser surgery will be discussed and reviewed.