CO2 laser and suture in splenic parenchyma: an experimental study.

Hemisplenectomy was performed with the scalpel in 12 mongrel dogs. The blood vessels of the splenic pedicle were temporarily clamped. In a six-dog group, hemostasis was obtained by CO2 laser and residual bleeding was controlled by sutures. In the other six dogs, group hemostasis was performed only by sutures. The surgical procedure was free of mortality. No hematological changes were observed in both groups. Histological studies revealed a better hemostatic effect and intensive necrosis of the splenic parenchyma in the lasered group compared with the sutured group.