[Laser microsurgery of meningioma. An analysis of a consecutive series of 164 cases treated surgically by using different lasers]

Neurochirurgie. 1992;38(4):217-25.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Over a six years period, 224 laser procedures were performed in our clinic, of these 164 (72%) involved meningiomas of various intracranial and spinal locations; 82 (50%) tumors were located in the posterior fossa, 36 (32%) were suprasellar or parasellar meningiomas: a carbon dioxide laser was used in 56 cases, a double wave length YAG laser in 101 cases, and recently a simultaneous Nd YAG and CO2 combolaser in 7 cases. Complete tumor removal was accomplished in 83% of cases and overall mortality was 3%. We think that microscope guided laser techniques represents a significant advancement in the ability to remove deep situated meningiomas that might prove difficult to extirpate by conventional microsurgery. The advantages of these methods include: 1. reduced brain retraction; 2. the ability to operate with smaller and different exposures; 3. a reduced amount of mechanical manipulation by vaporizing in first the dural attachment; 4. improved operative precision and 5. decreased intra operative blood loss.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Cranial Fossa, Posterior
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laser Therapy / methods*
  • Male
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Meningioma / surgery*
  • Microsurgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Yttrium

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Yttrium