The evaluation of the usefulness of CO(2) laser in microsurgical resection of brain tumors

BACKGROUND: Since its introduction to surgery, the CO(2) laser has been used in the treatment of various neurosurgical pathologies as it combines cutting, vaporizing, and coagulating properties in one tool and has a safe penetration depth. In this case series of 29 patients, we present the evaluation of the usefulness of the closed system type – sealed tube surgical CO(2) laser in the surgical removal of brain tumors. METHODS: The Sharplan 40C model SurgiTouch, sealed tube type CO(2) laser, was used in the resection of 29 brain tumors; 13 meningiomas, six metastases, nine gliomas, and one acoustic neuroma. The same senior surgeon (BT) assessed and classified the benefit provided by the CO(2) laser in the resection of the neoplasms to considerable (Group 1), moderate (Group 2), and poor (Group 3). RESULTS: Group 1 included 14 patients with 13 meningiomas and one acoustic neuroma, Group 2 included six patients, all of whom had metastases, and Group 3 included nine patients of which six had glioblastoma and three astrocytoma. No complications or technical problems occurred due to the use of the CO(2) laser. CONCLUSION: The CO(2) laser is a valuable complementary tool in brain tumor surgery displaying high efficacy and practicality in the resection of neoplasms which are fibrous and have hard consistency. It has high acquisition and maintenance cost and cannot replace the bipolar diathermy. The newest generation of flexible CO(2) laser fiber provides more ergonomy and promises new perspectives of its neurosurgical use in the modern era.