Complications of laser surgery: safety, risks, and the plume.

The prevalence of the CO2 laser in medicine today has brought more information to the patient than any other modality to treat different ailments. More laser surgeons are reporting their experiences. Like any new instrument or technique, there are advantages and disadvantages to its use. This article presented a review of different laser-associated problems and issues, as well as methods to correct them if they arise. The knowledge of complications and safety are constant changing. The surgeon needs to know what can happen, both good and bad, in order to inform and treat the patient properly. Although the laser has been used in podiatry for the past decade, it can still be considered to be in its infancy. It is a wonderful tool for patient care, but more research and experience are necessary to use it to its maximal potential.