Excision of epithelial tumors: CO2 laser versus conventional methods.

In a comparative experimental study, excisions of a transplanted Lewis lung carcinoma in BDF1 mice were performed by means of the CO2 laser and conventional methods, namely common scalpel and diathermy. The results showed a significant reduction in tumor recurrence and animal mortality rates (27.5% vs. 75% and 45%) after tumor excision with the laser in the early stage (5th day) of tumor development. This finding, in addition to the surgical properties of the CO2 laser, suggests that early excision using this modality is a rational treatment of this type of tumor.