CO 2 laser subcapsular orchidectomy in the treatment of prostate cancer

Hormonal manipulation remains the main method of treatment in metastatic carcinoma of the prostate. Traditional techniques of surgical castration may result in complications due to bleeding within the scrotum. Because of its cutting and hemostatic properties the carbon dioxide laser has been used in performing subcapsular orchidectomy in an attempt to reduce such complications. Postoperative hormonal assays have demonstrated a response identical to orchidectomy, and no treatment complications were encountered in our series. Subcapsular orchidectomy using the carbon dioxide laser may offer an advantage over traditional methods of surgical castration by reducing the frequency of postoperative hematoma.