Laser assisted surgery has grown in popularity with physicians and patients because, in many cases, it results in less blood loss because it closes off tiny vessels as it cuts, and because the laser is so precise it damages little surrounding tissue which leads to less swelling and a quicker healing time. During surgery, a laser is used to open an incision like a knife, and it can be used to remove damaged tissue.
Doctors also use lasers to vaporize tissue and tumors, or to seal blood vessels.