Carbon dioxide laser vaporization of brain tumors

Since 1977, we have used a 170-W CO2 laser manufactured in Shanghai. In animal studies we found less temperature increase in neighboring cerebral tissue after laser vaporization (0.8 degrees C) than after bipolar coagulation (1.4 degrees C) or monopolar coagulation (8 degrees C). Some factors affecting the reaction of cerebral tissue to CO2 laser irradiation are discussed. This laser was also used in 30 craniotomies: 20 for gliomas, 5 for meningiomas, 4 for metastases, and 1 for a vascular malformation. No obvious cerebral or systemic adverse effects were seen, but the length of follow-up is insufficient to demonstrate an increased survival rate.