Clinical applications of argon plasma coagulation in endoscopy

The argon plasma coagulator is a device used for noncontact thermal coagulation of tissue. The device was first used in open and laparoscopic surgical procedures and in 1991 was adapted for use in endoscopy. Since then, argon plasma coagulation has expanded its clinical applications in the treatment of various gastrointestinal conditions. The endoscopy nurse plays an important role in the care of patients before, during, and after argon plasma coagulation treatment. This article reviews the principles and components of the argon plasma coagulator, and provides a summary of the various clinical applications, patient safety practices, and potential complications of argon plasma coagulation therapy.

KTP photoselective laser vaporization of the prostate: indications, procedure, and nursing implications

Over the past decade, there has been a concerted effort to surgically relieve the bladder outlet obstructive symptoms in men with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) by using a laser. Recent improvements in laser technology have led to the development of promising new treatment modalities. The potassium-titanyl-phosphate photoselective laser vaporization of the prostate procedure effectively vaporizes the obstructing prostatic adenoma in a 1-day surgery procedure. Current results show that this procedure provides a feasible option for men seeking long-term relief of bladder outlet obstructive symptoms due to BPH.

Minimally invasive treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

Selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels (SLPCV) is an application of minimally invasive endoscopic fetal surgery (i.e., surgical fetoscopy) performed for severe cases of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a complication of monochorionic twin pregnancies. Advances in ultrasound and endoscopy have aided the identification and treatment of this potentially lethal or fatal condition. Surgical fetoscopy, an innovation in the field of surgery and maternal-fetal medicine, benefits patients by reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with TTTS, with minimal risks to the mother.

Contact Laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in the treatment of glaucoma

1. Contact Laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation using the Nd:YAG laser is an approach for delivering laser energy to the ciliary body for cyclodestructive treatment. 2. The Contact Laser method is useful in treating refractory glaucoma, including neovascular glaucoma, inflammatory glaucoma, aphakic glaucoma, juvenile glaucoma, and other types of glaucoma in which medical and/or surgical treatment has failed. 3. Schuman and colleagues found that maximum lowering of the pressure occurs 1 to 4 weeks postprocedure.

Standardized teaching plans in the ambulatory laser center

The changing economic climate in health care has motivated nurses to clearly define their role and job duties. Ophthalmic nurses, in particular, have to relate to the differences between the skill level of nurses and technicians. Staff nurses asked to define their role in an ambulatory ophthalmic laser center, placed a high priority on patient education as a professional responsibility. Their view is supported by the Joint Commission Accreditation Manual for Hospitals, and is listed as a responsibility for the registered nurse by that agency. The Joint Commission Standards were reviewed, and a review of related theories of learning was conducted. Teaching standards were developed for nine ophthalmic laser procedures. The standards include teaching content and appropriate teaching aids. The goal is to inform patients specifically regarding the laser surgery, and eye health in general. The patient's knowledge base regarding laser surgery is addressed as part of the nursing assessment and documented in the progress note. Information regarding the proposed procedure is provided based on the teaching standard, and the patient's level of understanding is documented in the progress note. Theories of learning as well as individual teaching standards and tools will be presented.