A significant new contribution to radical head and neck surgery. The argon beam coagulator as an effective means of limiting blood loss.

A new argon beam coagulator system promises a radically different form of electrocoagulation. Rarely does a tool make such an important contribution to the surgical armamentarium. This instrument reduces blood loss by up to half via rapid superficial coagulation, even when severe bleeding occurs. It causes minimal tissue damage, coagulates large vessels (2 to 3 mm in diameter), reduces the risk of postoperative hemorrhage, and markedly reduces operative time. Since the coagulation is superficial, healing appears to be unimpaired. We describe our experience with this new instrument (video tape recordings demonstrating its use in surgical procedures are available).