[Lasers in neurosurgery].

In recent years neurosurgeons have shown an increasing interest in lasers. An understanding of the basic laser mechanism and tissue effects is important. CO2 laser is an excellent no-touch tool for excising and evaporating brain tumors. It has several other uses in neurosurgery both with free hand technique and with microscope attachment and micromanipulator. Nd: YAG and Argon lasers are more effective for coagulation of blood vessels and dealing with vascular neoplasms. Advantages and disadvantages of this technique are discussed and compared with other methods like bipolar coagulation and CUSA. Indications for the use of the different laser types in neurosurgery are summarized and a prospect of laser in neurosurgery is given.