In addition to using traditional surgical knives in surgery, both open and minimally invasive surgery can use the following alternative techniques, depending on diagnosis:
laser surgery
A laser is a device that emits a concentrated beam of light radiation. A laser beam can cauterize a wound, repair damaged tissue, or destroy cells under the beam, allowing for cutting through tissue without damaging neighboring cells. Laser has been used in place of surgical cutting instruments in various surgeries, including eye surgery, gynecological procedures, removal of skin marks, and excising small tumors.
electrosurgery
Surgery can also be performed with electrical instruments that operate on high-frequency electric currents. Examples of electrosurgery include electrocoagulation (which hardens tissue) and electrodesiccation (the destroying of tissue with an electric current for such things as removing small growths).
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