A method for photoselective vaporization of uterine tissue includes
delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an
optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength
and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue
sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of
tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser
radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a neodymium doped
solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic
output with greater than 60 watts average output power. The delivered
laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 nm
to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area
greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm.sup.2, in a spot size of at least 0.05
mm.sup.2.