Trends in surgery: laser surgery, use of the cavitron, and debulking surgery.

The purpose of this article is to expose nonneurosurgeons to high-level technological adjuncts used by pediatric neurosurgeons for the treatment of pediatric central nervous system disease. Some of the characteristics of the instruments and their most important uses are described. Emphasis is placed on the impact this technology has had in the development of "new" operations. Surgical limitations and future perspectives are also discussed.