[Laser--science fiction or a new dimension in medicine?].

Using the Nd: YAG laser, contact-free destruction of tumors is possible while closing the blood and lymphatic vessels at the same time. It is very uncommon for a tumor to seed during the operation. In contrast to established operative procedures, further advantages are: no bleeding, no general anesthesia, minimal sedation for endoscopic procedures, and short operation times. Furthermore, this method presents interesting possibilities for the diagnosis and treatment of tumors, as well as in endoscopic lithotripsy.