Experimental study of partial liver resection with a combined CO2 and Nd:YAG laser

The use of the CO2 laser in liver surgery is mainly limited by the lack of coagulation of the larger vessels. In an experimental study, partial liver resections were performed on pigs with a Nd:YAG as well as with a combined CO2 and Nd:YAG laser. The best cutting efficiency was obtained with the CO2 laser. On the other hand, the Nd:YAG laser and the combined laser sources showed excellent hemostasis at the cutting edge corresponding with a width of necrosis at about 5 mm in histomorphometric examination and zones with histologically different characteristics. Rebleedings from the resection lines were avoided in all cases using the combined CO2 and Nd:YAG laser.