Use of the CO2 laser in urology

The CO2 laser emits coherent light in the far infrared region with an extremely short extinction length. Energy absorption at the impact site is very intense and results in a surgical incision characterized by a zone of vaporization surrounded by a narrow zone of thermal necrosis and sublethal thermal injury. Infected epithelium can be ablated precisely to a shallow depth so that the papillomavirus is killed and rapid healing can occur. The CO2 laser is the treatment of choice for condylomata acuminata that are extensive or recurrent, are within the urethral meatus, or occur during pregnancy, a period during which cytotoxic drugs are contraindicated. With this technique virtually all patients with condylomata acuminata can be cured rapidly with minimal morbidity, complications, or risk of recurrence.