Laser microsurgery in oncology: Indications, techniques, and results of 5-year experience

Multidisciplinary collaboration has enabled us to the CO2 laser in many different surgical fields. The 5‐year experience at the National Tumor Institute of Milan is reviewed for the evaluation of short‐ and medium‐term results of 321 laser surgical operations of the lower genital tract, 475 cases of lesions of the larynx and oral cavity, and 246 cases of skin lesions. A unified approach was used as regards safety measures, preoperative evaluation, and rules of application of laser instruments. The reliability of the surgical procedures, the proper selection of the cases, and the low rate of postoperative complications allowed outpatient treatment in 76% of the cases, thus reducing the hospitalization costs. The use of the microscope for laser resections under magnification was recognized to be preferable in routine surgical oncology practice. Short‐ and medium‐term clinical results with laser microsurgery were comparable to those with conventional surgery, especially when precise and conservative removal of periorificial lesions was required.