Laser surgery of Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF 1)

Over six years of experience, the technique of treating NF 1 by laser surgery has been developed and has become a standardized treatment protocol. Whole-body therapy is undertaken over several sessions, during which a distinctive LPLL technique is applied to radically remove every NF fibroma, success being assured by nothing less than total extirpation of the tumors present. Either the argon or the carbon dioxide laser is employed, depending on the stage of the tumors. In 58 sessions of approximately 150 laser hours 21 patients have been treated. There have been no recurrences. A radically removed tumor diminishes the total number of programmed tumors by one. This is the basis underlying the therapy described. Psychosocial care of NF 1 patients remains a factor of great importance. In itself, however, it is not sufficient to achieve emotional recovery and physicocosmetic well-being.