Role of the CO2 laser in chorioretino-iridocyclectomy

Surgical extirpation of a uveal melanoma was performed by a sclerochorioretino iridocyclectomy using an externally focused CO2 laser. This was followed by a lens extraction and partial vitrectomy. The uveal melanoma proved to be of a mixed cell type. The minimal operative and postoperative hemorrhaging was attributed in part to the cauterizing cutting characteristics of the CO2 laser. Extensive coagulation necrosis produced by the CO2 laser precluded histopathologic evaluation of the resected tissue margin.