[The use of the laser scalpel in surgery of the spleen].

The CO2 laser was used to arrest bleeding from traumatic wounds of the spleen in 24 patients. The success of laser coagulation was determined by the qualification of the surgeon who performed the operation and his skill in working with a laser scalpel. Comparative analysis of the intraoperative aspects and operative outcomes with those in 60 patients who underwent splenectomy (57) and suturation (3) showed the marked advantages of laser coagulation which allowed the spleen to be preserved in 63% of cases.