A program of:

• Surgical Services

Surgical lasers allow specially trained surgeons to access the most remote areas of the body, through tiny incisions or sometimes no incision at all. Compared to conventional surgery, laser surgery can mean less pain, less blood loss, less time in the hospital. It also means reduced scarring and recovery time.

The Laser Services Department offers the widest range of medical laser equipment and services available, supported by a dedicated group of highly skilled and experienced technicians. We’re specialists in medical lasers, committed to the highest quality support to our physicians who offer patients the option of laser surgery. Services include:

• laser support for all medical specialties at Abbott Northwestern Hospital
• TransOne (mobile laser services)

With more than fifteen surgical lasers serving all medical specialties, Abbott Northwestern Hospital is the leading provider of medical lasers in the Upper Midwest. Lasers can be used to treat everything from common conditions like snoring to more complex cancer treatments (Photodynamic Therapy) or kidney stones (Laser Lithotripsy).

Laser Lithotripsy

Lithotripsy is a medical procedure that uses shock waves to break up stones in the kidney, bladder, or ureter (tube that carries urine from your kidneys to your bladder).

To learn more about Lithotripsy click here.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a unique and relatively new cancer treatment that destroys cancer cells by combining a special photosensitizing drug with exposure to laser light.

The photosensitizing drug is injected into the patient typically about two days before laser treatment. The drug is absorbed into the body and held in the cancer cells.

When exposed to a low level laser light of an exact color or wavelength, the drug is activated and destroys the cancer cells.

What are the benefits of this treatment?

PDT may cause minimal damage to healthy tissue.

The procedure usually is performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home after a brief recovery period.

What conditions can it treat?

PDT is mainly used to treat tumors on or just under the skin or on the lining of internal tissue. In the United States, PDT is approved for use to treat esophageal cancers and some types of early and advanced lung cancer.

PDT is being investigated for use with several other cancers, including head and neck, brain, bladder and recurrent breast cancer. PDT also may be used to treat other conditions, including psoriasis and coronary artery disease.

TransOne is a mobile unit that brings several minimally invasive procedures to physician practices around the metro area. This option is very convenient for patients who prefer to stay close to their home and who may be more comfortable receiving treatments at their regular physician’s office – a place already familiar to them.

TransOne offers expertise and equipment in many specialties, including:

• Ear, Nose and Throat
• Gastroenterology
• General Surgery
• Gynecology
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedics
• Podiatry
• Urology