Preliminary experiences with "real-time" intraoperative ultrasonography associated to the laser and the ultrasonic aspirator in neurosurgery.

Twelve cerebral lesions were operated upon with various laser sources (carbon dioxide, neodymium-yttrium-argon-garnet, and argon) and with an ultrasonic aspirator utilizing the intraoperative "real-time" ultrasonography. With the last method, the tumor was imaged just as well through the intact dura mater as on the brain surface itself, allowing a precise localization of deep intracranial lesions. A sharp selectivity on the healthy tissues is, in this way, achievable to reach the tumor, which is successively removed with the laser and ultrasonic aspirator checking the surgical maneuvers on the visual control of the ultrasonograph.