[Use of the Nd:YAG laser in surgical treatment of intracranial tumors].

The Nd:YAG laser was used between January 1989 and March 1991 in 63 cases of intracranial tumours, including 32 meningiomas, 16 gliomas (including 11 glioblastomas), 8 acoustic neurinomas, 11 metastatic brain tumours. In 76.2% of cases very good results were obtained. The Nd:YAG laser was found to be particular value in the treatment of vascular intracranial tumours, especially meningiomas and metastatic tumours. The ability of the Nd:YAG laser to shrink and devascularize these tumours, was useful in neurosurgical operations. The no-touch technique, minimal or no thermal effect on surrounding tissues, better haemostasis and precision allow for easier removal of acoustic nerve tumours. The Nd:YAG laser is very useful in the operations close to the very important for life areas of the brain. The major advantages of laser include reduction of mechanical trauma, reduction of blood loss, and more radical removal of intracranial tumours.