Observations on the simultaneous use of CO2 and Nd:YAG lasers in neurosurgery

Seven cases of cerebral tumors (four deep-seated sovratentorial gliomas located in motor area, occipital region, parietal region and frontal region; one deep-seated cystic cerebellar spongioblastoma; one sphenoidal wing meningioma, and one spinal cord intradural tumor) were simultaneously irradiated in the same area with two sources (CO2 and Nd:YAG). Using CO2 and Nd:YAG simultaneously, a larger and deeper lesion was obtained. The main bulk was irradiated with two sources free hand. The implant with the two sources was connected to the operating microscope. The rise in temperature, 3 mm from the border of the lesion, was similar to that obtained with Nd:YAG alone. Hemostasis was not impaired. In comparison with the single sources, this method allows a more rapid demolition of the tumor without additional damage to the surrounding tissues.