Comparative experimental study on the use of the carbon dioxide laser beam in partial nephrectomy.

A report is given on an experimental study in 20 dogs designed to compare the use of the CO2 laser beam as a cutting instrument in resection of the kidney parenchyma, with the simple scalpel and the cutting diathermy current. It was found that the laser can be used with impunity. It shortens the time of operation by facilitating hemostasis, diminishes blood loss, and does not interfere with the final kidney function. The damage to the kidney parenchyma compares favorably with the produced by the other instruments.