The Carbon Dioxide Laser in Head and Neck and Plastic Surgery: Advantages and Disadvantages

Abstract

Before one launches into a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the carbon dioxide laser, it is quite necessary to know something about the instrumentation. At present, our primary experience has been with the Sharplan 791 laser, which has a flexible arm and a good radius for activity. Various heads have been adapted to the CO₂ laser, and some of them have helped considerably; others have been a disappointment. We have had very little experience with the use of the microscope on the CO₂ laser but feel that, in certain cases, it would certainly be an advantage. I am sure this will be discussed by others.