Laser technology in rock removal is an important research direction in the field of applied optics. It is a complex, high-temperature and high-pressure physical and chemical process with multi-phase, multi-coupling and multi-scale applications. In order to clarify the core difficulties in laser-rock interaction research and to provide an effective theory reference and trend information for researchers, an overview of research on laser rock removal technology is summarized. Firstly, the mechanism of rock removal using lasers is clarified. Then, existing research of laser rock removal is summarized and analyzed from different perspectives, including laser equipment for petroleum drilling and completion, its influencing factors, the phase-change heat transfer of temperature fields, its physical and mechanical properties, and its feasibility in the oil and gas industry. Finally, the advantages of rock removal by laser technology compared with traditional drilling and completion methods are elaborated. In view of the existing problems in laser-rock interaction research, the future development trend of rock removal by laser technology is predicted. The research results show that rock removal by laser technology can lead to research breakthroughs in field-supporting facilities, multi-factor evaluation, multi-field coupling mechanisms and theoretical systems of underground applicability.