The use of the CO2 laser for partial nephrectomy: an experimental study

The CO2- laser knife was used for partial nephrectomy in an experimental study of 20 mongrel cats. Of these, 16 survived, two died of peritonitis, and two died of unrelated causes. The inherent characteristics of precision and hemostasis of this modality, already found useful in controlling complications in other fields of surgery, proved to be a safe and effective method for partial nephrectomy as shown by angiography and histopathologic examinations of the operated kidneys at 0, 7, 14, 21, and 90 days after surgery. Complications such as hemorrhage or urinary fistula were nonexistent.