CO2 Laser in Microneurosurgery

Choi, Chang Rak; Ahn, Myung Soo; Hong, Yong Kil; Park, Ki Yong

Abstract

The laser is a new surgical modality that utilizes high intensity beams radiant energy to vaporize of coagulate tissue. Radiant energy is generated by stimulated emission of photons resulting in a unidirectional monochromatic beam that is temporary coherent small diameter beams of great power density are achievable by this means. The author reviewed 24 months experience with a CO2 laser involving neurosurgical operations to 45 neurosurgical lesion, i, e. brain tumor 25, intracerebral hemorrhage 15, cerebral paragonimiasis 1, cysticercosis 1, brain abscess 1, and arteriovenous malformation of brain 1 and spine 1 were removed with the use of Shaplan CO2 laser since 1981. We have conclude that there had been a significant reduction in blood loss and neurological morbidity though it was readily conceded that the number of operations were relatively small. The particular advantages of the combination of CO2 laser and microscope were felt to be precision reduction of mechanical trauma good hemostasis and low cost. Especially the blood loss and replacement during operation have been reduced.