Surgery with the argon laser: recent advances in instrumentation and techniques

There have been several recent advances in the instrumentation and techniques of use of the argon laser in dermatologic surgery. Dispersion lenses that enlarge the areas of impact, operation through a microscope that permits precise microsurgery, templates that delimit areas of treatment, special eyeshields, nerve block anesthesia, and intermittent, light general anesthesia feasible in an out-patient setting are discussed.