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.

Doctor holding endoscope device.

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:

Male patient lying on the operating table under anesthesia.

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:

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:

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

Middle aged man waking up in bed.

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:

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.

Get in touch with Us

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