Endoscopic laser system with laser interlock

A surgical laser system, comprising:

• an endoscope including a working channel;
• an optical detector configured to detect an amount of light reflected from a target in response to illumination light directed to the target from a distal end of the endoscope;
• a laser fiber extending through the working channel of the endoscope, the laser fiber configured to transmit laser energy, and to receive and transmit the optically detected light reflected from the target from a distal end of the laser fiber adjustably positioned relative to the distal end of the endoscope;
• and
• a controller configured to, based at least in part on the optically detected amount of light indicative of a spatial relationship between the distal end of the laser fiber and the distal end of the endoscope, generate a control signal to the surgical laser system to adjust laser emission through the laser fiber to prevent or reduce damage to the working channel caused by the laser emission.