Book excerpt: This book describes and illustrates state-of-the-art techniques in laser spine surgery. Laser technology has revolutionized surgeries in many specialties to perform minimally invasive and cutting-edge procedures. Recent advances in spinal surgery have led to the increasingly widespread use of minimally invasive techniques based on endoscopy and microscopy. Nevertheless, the application of laser in the context of spinal surgery remains less well known, and the aim of this book is to present practical usage of laser in spine surgery to our readers. A wide variety of minimally invasive approaches to spine surgery using CO2, Ho: YAG, and Nd: YAG lasers are presented in detail, with a discussion of equipment and specific recommendations on laser settings. Care has been taken to ensure that the content is faithful to the fundamental principles of spine surgery and evidence-based medicine. The book will be an essential resource for all who use or are intending to use lasers in spine surgery.