The argon laser in acoustic tumor surgery.

CO2 laser surgery has been employed successfully in the larynx for the past ten years. Because of the nature of the CO2 beam, it is necessary to mount the laser itself onto the operating microscope, thereby making it difficult to adapt to otologic microsurgery. The ability of the argon laser to be transferred through a fiber optic bundle has made it possible to introduce a whole new concept to microsurgery of the ear and adjacent structures. The argon laser has been used by the authors, on a routine basis, in all acoustic neuroma surgery for the past ten months (30 cases). The purpose of this paper is to present their preliminary experience. Surgical technique is covered in detail describing the many advantages the laser has provided in the management of these difficult lesions.