The use of the carbon dioxide laser beam in the surgery of pressure sores.

The use of CO2 Laser in surgery for decubitus ulcers was assessed in 139 spinal cord injury patients. This technique is valuable for debridement and or excision of the ulcers as well as repair. It accomplishes hemostasis and wound sterility. It was found very helpful in patients with ill health, bleeding tendencies and active infections. It helped avoid amputation in a few paraplegics whose joints were involved or peripheral vessels compromised. Although the apparatus is expensive, its use on a large scale in specialized centers can be a good investment since it saves blood loss, transfusions, antibiotics, and hospital stay, the later so important with the current health care system in the USA known as DRG. However, operators should be very knowledgeable in the basic science of laser, the mechanics of the apparatus and its control for the most efficient, effective and safe utilization.