[Experiences with the CO2 laser in surgery of the nervous system]

The results obtained in animal experiments in which the effect of the CO/-Laser on the nervous system was studied, have encouraged the author to use this new device in the surgery of the brain, spinal cord, and the peripheral nerves. Histological examinations have shown that the cuts of the brain tissue produced by the laser are cleaner and less destructive than those produced by the spatula and the diathermy knife. On thje other hand, the electrosurgical knife seems to produce a better coagulation. Clinically, the CO2-Laser has proved its value in 240 operations. Owing to the possibility of an exact dosing and the resulting small penetration depth, it is possible to use the laser not only in spinal cord surgery but also in regions of the brain stem that have been inaccessible until now. The combined use with the operating microscope is an additional advantage. Of special interest, too, are interventions in epilepsy, tumours of the spinal cord, comissurotomy and in amputation neuromas. Vaporisation of the tumour cavities for preventing or delaying glioblastoma relapses has shown no significant effect until now.