[Experiences with the Nd-YAG laser in the surgical treatment of intra- and suprasellar tumors].

The Neodym-YAG-laser has been used in 15 transcranial and 15 transsphenoidal operations of intra- und suprasellar tumors. The surgical results are reflected by ophthalmological and endocrinological controls. The incidence and nature of surgical complications is also reported. The practical experiences during the surgical procedure as well as the results are indicating, that the Nd-YAG-laser is superior to conventional surgical methods. In addition to a better control of bleeding, laser surgery allows a more radical removal and inactivation of tumor tissue without a higher risk of lesioning the adjacent structures.