Complications associated with carbon dioxide laser surgery in gynecology

Complications associated with the use of the carbon dioxide laser in 624 gynecologic patients are presented. Bleeding and pain were the most common side effects of this new modality. Although bleeding occurred in 63 patients, it was considered minor, i.e., requiring no treatment in 56 women. Pain was rather mild and could be dealt with easily by allowing heat buildup to dissipate. Only one laser accident was observed in the entire series. Interestingly, scar formation, e.g., cervical stenosis, was essentially nonexistent. Similarly, no infections were reported. The carbon dioxide laser compares favorably to conventional treatment methods insofar as complications are concerned; however, if future complications are to be avoided, careful training in CO2 laser technology must precede clinical use of the instrument.