Growing popularity of laser treatment has understandably resulted in increased incidence of potential complications. The analysis of complications, taking into account the causes of their occurrence, is of particular interest. The identification of etiological factors and the development of a step-by-step prophylactic algorithm with their consideration is the way to reduce the number of possible complications in future practice. In this article, we present a classification of the causes of complications associated with various types of laser procedures. This classification was developed on the basis of a review of last 20 years' literature and our own experience in a network of clinics "Linline" in Russia. We identified six groups of the etiological classification of laser complications: errors of patient selection, errors of treatment tactics, wrong choice of device and technology, neglect of treatment protocol, inadequate post-procedural care, individual response of the patient. The causes of all specified groups of complication, except the last one, are preventable causes.
Keywords: laser complication; laser risks; laser safety; laser treatment; preventive algorithm.
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