Experience with the neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser in forty-two cases.

The neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser has been utilized in the treatment of 42 cases during the past 2 years at two institutions. The laser was used under investigational permits from the Food and Drug Administration. It was found to be of particular value in the treatment of vascular intracranial tumors, especially meningiomas, and metastatic tumors of the spine. The ability of the laser to shrink and devascularize these tumors was efficacious as a surgical adjunct. Laser treatment of tumor attachments, especially those of meningiomas to the skull base, seemed to be effective in eradication of residual tumor. Long term benefits of such therapy, however, remain unproven. Because of the penetrating ability of the Nd:YAG laser beam, this device must be used with care by surgeons experienced in its use to prevent injury to adjacent structures.