[A Method of Laser Seromyotomy of the Stomach]

A technique of laser seromyotomy was developed as a method for vagus denervation for the treatment of gastroduodenal ulcers. Soviet Raduga neodymium YAG laser and foreign Medilaz and Flexilas units were employed as sources of laser irradiation. The operation was performed in the 'contact scalpel' mode with the use of Soviet sapphire tips. The developed technique permits seromyotomy that results in better hemostasis and lower risk of gastric submucosal layer involvement vs. electronomo suggested earlier by Taylor, an English surgeon. Twelve patients were operated on; one developed intraperitoneal hemorrhage that ceased independently.