[Use of the CO2 laser in the treatment of burn injuries]

In the treatment of burn injuries the CO2-Laser has meanwhile proved to be an effective cutting-instrument as well as the Bowie-Knife. A trial-study was carried out in which the necroses were excised simultaneously with the Laser on one side of the body and with the Bowie-Knife on the other. Comparisons were made between blood-loss, time used for escharotomie, injury to the wound bed and post-operative healing of the autograft 4 and 8 days later. The results of the parameter showed that with the Laser there was a reduction in blood-loss of 50% compared with the Bowie-Knife. On the other hand the total operating-time was 1/3 longer, including the time necessary for hemostasis to take place. The blood-loss was measured with a Blood-Loss-Perometer and the result was converted according to the extent of the burned surface area. Histology showed less trauma of the wound bed compared with the Bowie-Knife, rare hemorrhages and inflammatory reactions in Laser so that healing of the autograft proceeded without complications.