Scalpel neodymium:YAG laser in oculoplastic surgery.

In a three-year study, the scalpel Nd:YAG laser was compared with conventional surgery in 18 patients who underwent oculoplastic surgery. The postoperative follow-up was at least eight months. The contact Nd:YAG laser had distinct advantages over conventional surgery in the treatment of vascular orbital tumors, including less perioperative bleeding and a shorter operating time. In other oculoplastic procedures, ten of the 18 patients underwent surgery with the scalpel Nd:YAG laser on one side and conventional surgery on the other side. There was less bleeding, a shorter operating time, and less pain on removal of orbital fat on the laser-treated side. The postoperative scarring was initially more noticeable on the Nd:YAG laser-treated side, but after three months there was no appreciable difference in scar formation between the two sides. The amount of postoperative edema and ecchymosis did not appear to be significantly different with the Nd:YAG laser compared with conventional surgery. Additionally, microscopic evaluation showed minimal charring of tissues with the Nd:YAG laser.