Acoustic nerve tumor surgery before and since the laser: comparison of results.

A random computer selection of 21 patients who underwent 28 operations for acoustic neurinoma between 1974 and 1980 using conventional methods, including the operating microscope and microtechnique, was compared with a cohort of 22 patients who underwent 25 operations between 1980 and 1984 utilizing a carbon dioxide laser. Completeness of tumor removal, anatomical and functional preservation of the facial nerve, preservation of hearing, morbidity and mortality, average hospital stay, and eventual outcome were used as markers and were compared. Utilizing P values, the study demonstrated a significantly superior outcome, and as a result a better life quality, in patients who were operated on utilizing a CO2 laser in addition to conventional microsurgical technique.