[Surgical treatment of hepatic echinococcosis using carbon dioxide laser]

The results of using the laser scalpel in surgery for echinococcosis of the liver in 68 patients are discussed. It was established that carbon dioxide laser induces coagulation of small blood vessels and intrahepatic bile ducts and thus prevents postoperative complications like bleeding and escape of bile, destroys live protoscoleces, and has a harmful effect on the microflora. This creates favourable conditions for shortening the period of treatment for patients with echinococcosis.