The effects of carbon dioxide- and neodymium-YAG lasers on the central and peripheral nervous systems, and cerebral blood vessels.

The morphological reaction of brain and peripheral nerve tissue and of cerebral blood vessels to the application of two types of laser-beams is described. Lasers as cutting instruments produce smoother cut surfaces and provoke less bleeding than conventional techniques. There is almost no focal oedema. Their effects are limited to clearly determinable zones. Scar formation after laser cutting is minimised. With defocused laser-beams a photo-coagulation of tumours, for example, highly vascularised tumours or pituitary adenomas, is possible. Small arteries may be cut without bleeding. Peripheral nerves cut by use of lasers do not develop neuromas. The results of the laser technique are compared with those of conventional methods.