GI Endoscopic Laser Therapy Procedure

Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic laser therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses focused laser energy to treat a variety of conditions in the digestive tract.

Often referred to as laser endoscopy, endoscopic laser therapy, or endoscopic laser photocoagulation therapy, this technique combines the visual clarity of endoscopy with the precision of laser technology.

It’s commonly used to control bleeding, remove abnormal growths, or relieve strictures, making it a valuable modality in therapeutic endoscopy, particularly where bleeding control, tissue ablation, or stricture management is required.

In this post, we’ll explore how laser endoscopy works, when it’s used, what to expect during the procedure, and how it compares to other GI treatments.

What is GI Endoscopic Laser Therapy?

GI endoscopic laser therapy is a specialized procedure that uses laser energy delivered through an endoscope to treat various conditions inside the digestive tract.

The therapy is part of a broader category of GI endoscopic procedures, which use flexible tubes with cameras to diagnose and treat conditions in the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

When paired with laser technology, endoscopy becomes even more powerful, offering targeted treatment with precision and control.

The laser’s wavelength determines how deeply energy penetrates. CO₂, thulium, or diode output can be selected for shallow ablation, coagulation, or precise incision, giving endoscopists greater control than with electrocautery alone.

Conditions Treated with Laser Endoscopy

Endoscopic laser therapy is commonly used to treat a variety of conditions in the upper and lower GI tract. Each application benefits from rapid hemostasis, minimal collateral damage, and the precision of targeted energy delivery.

Common indications include:

Bleeding lesions: Including peptic ulcers, angiodysplasia, and post-polypectomy sites. The laser coagulates blood vessels to stop bleeding.
Benign and malignant tumors: Laser ablation can shrink or remove growths such as polyps or early-stage cancers.
Esophageal strictures: Narrowed areas of the esophagus caused by scarring or cancer can be widened using laser incision or vaporization.
Zenker’s diverticulum: A pouch that forms at the back of the throat can be treated using laser division techniques.
Radiation proctitis: Laser therapy can help manage bleeding caused by radiation damage in the lower GI tract.

How the Procedure Works

Laser endoscopy is typically performed in an outpatient endoscopy suite or hospital setting and follows a similar workflow to other GI procedures. However, the addition of laser energy introduces specific procedural nuances.

Here’s what patients and clinicians can expect:

Preparation: Similar to a standard GI endoscopic procedure, patients may be asked to fast and undergo bowel prep if the lower GI tract is involved.
Sedation: Conscious sedation or anesthesia ensures patient comfort.
Endoscope Insertion: A flexible scope with a camera is inserted through the mouth or rectum, depending on the treatment area.
Laser Activation: The physician guides a laser fiber through the scope to deliver controlled bursts of light energy to the target tissue.
Post-Procedure Monitoring: Most patients are monitored for a short period and can go home the same day.

Common laser types used include Nd:YAG lasers and argon lasers, which are selected based on the condition and tissue type.

Benefits of Endoscopic Laser Therapy

Compared to open surgery or other endoscopic methods, endoscopic laser therapy offers several advantages:

Minimally invasive – No external incisions and minimal disruption to healthy tissue
Precision – The laser targets only the abnormal or bleeding tissue
Reduced bleeding – Laser photocoagulation seals blood vessels effectively
Quicker recovery – Most procedures are outpatient with short recovery times
Versatility – Can be used for both emergency bleeding control and planned therapeutic interventions

Common laser types used include Nd:YAG lasers and argon lasers, which are selected based on the condition and tissue type.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery after GI endoscopic laser therapy is usually fast, with many patients resuming light activity the same day. Post-procedure care will depend on the specific area treated and the indication.

General guidelines include:

Patients should report any severe pain, fever, or signs of bleeding immediately.

Laser Endoscopy vs. Other GI Treatments

Compared to other GI endoscopic procedures like argon plasma coagulation (APC), electrocautery, or balloon dilation, endoscopic laser therapy provides deeper penetration and more targeted ablation in select cases. For example:

Treatment Type	Best For	Precision	Bleeding Risk
Laser Endoscopy	Tumors, bleeding ulcers, strictures	High	Low
Electrocautery	Polyp removal, superficial bleeding	Moderate	Moderate
APC	Superficial bleeding control	Low	Low
Balloon Dilation	Esophageal strictures	Low (Mechanical)	Moderate

Innovations in Laser Endoscopic Technology

Ongoing innovation in laser design and delivery has significantly improved the safety and efficacy of GI laser procedures. Today’s systems are smaller, smarter, and more tailored to endoscopic use.

Key advancements include:

International Medical Lasers (IML) supplies a full range of advanced medical lasers tailored to gastroenterology and soft tissue surgical procedures. These include:

Thulium lasers from Quanta, offering continuous wave emission and excellent coagulative control for precise soft tissue vaporization and hemostasis
Thulium fiber lasers from Quanta, known for minimal thermal spread and fine tissue dissection, ideal in delicate GI endoscopic procedures
CO₂ laser systems from DEKA, which provide controlled ablation with minimal collateral damage in superficial mucosal treatments
Diode and holmium systems from Quanta, which offer high pulse energy and versatility across multiple GI and urology use cases

Each of these options has distinct clinical advantages depending on the GI condition being treated. IML works closely with gastroenterologists and surgical teams to ensure they are equipped with laser systems that support precision, safety, and efficiency across a wide range of GI endoscopic procedures.

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If you have questions about which endoscopic laser therapy is right for your practice, speak with our expert team.

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