General laser complications:
Refer to complications specific to each surgical specialty and wavelength in the "Directions for Use". The potential complications encountered in endoscopic laser surgery are the same as those normally encountered in conventional endoscopic surgery. Acute pain may occur immediately following laser therapy and may persist for as long as 48 hours. Immediately following laser therapy, the patient may experience fever and leukocytosis, which are commonly associated with tissue destruction. These generally resolve without treatment. Laser ablated tissue may become necrotic or infected after treatment If a question of infection exists, appropriate treatment should be carried out.
The following complications could be serious and could result in death:
- Patients may experience bleeding at the site of laser therapy. Posttreatment hematocrits are recommended to identify this potential complication.
- Sepsis can result from performing any surgical procedure. If a question of sepsis exists, appropriate evaluations should be made.
- Perforation may occur as a result of laser treatment. To diagnose perforations, patients must be carefully followed post-operatively with appropriate tests.