New Laparoscopic Surgery Techniques Lets Doctor “See” Tumors.

Dr. Steven Palter created a new laparoscopic technology that enables surgeons to "see" tumors and other pathologies as if they had x-ray vision:

The new “keyhole” surgery technique enables surgeons to see tumors and other pathologies, including endometriosis not otherwise visible. In traditional laparoscopy, the telescope provides the same view as would be seen with the naked eye. In the new method, highly specific filters are incorporated into the light system and telescope so that surgeons can see the tiny amounts of fluorescent light that all living human tissues give off when illuminated, a phenomenon called “autofluorescence”.

Normal and diseased tissues give off different amounts of light. Areas of disease that block fluorescence are seen as dark indigo areas, whereas those that emit fluorescence glow like a firefly. With this new surgical technique I can see disease that is otherwise invisible and treat the patient more effectively.

Video of the technique (neat!):

Link - Thanks Dr. Palter!