Endoscopic cholecystectomy with the holmium:YAG laser: preliminary report.

In the first clinical trial of its kind, the author used a pulsed holmium:YAG laser to perform endoscopic gallbladder removal in 10 patients. Compared to other endoscopic laser systems, the holmium:YAG produced relatively shallow tissue penetration. As a cutting instrument, it allowed faster dissection than other lasers. As a coagulating instrument, it provided such satisfactory hemostasis that no other hemostatic method was needed. This preliminary trial left no doubt that the holmium:YAG is a excellent laser for laparoscopic surgery, particularly removal of the gallbladder.