[The CO2 laser: a new instrument for intracranial neurosurgery]

Since 1983 we have been using an 80 watts CO2 laser unit (Ercelas 80, Robert et Carrière Biomédical) routinely in some neurosurgical procedures. Fifty tumours (34 intracranial, 4 intraorbital and 12 intraspinal) have been operated upon with laser. The CO2 laser appears to be particularly useful to excise solid tumours, such as meningiomas and neurinomas. When these lesions are located in the posterior fossa or lying deeply near highly functional or vital supratentorial structures (e.g. carotid arteries, optic nerves, chiasma), the laser beam should be coupled with an operating microscope. Laser being a non-touch technique, the tumour can be removed with minimal trauma to healthy tissues. Depending on the output power, the laser beam coagulates, cuts or vaporizes the target lesion.