[Progress in laser neurosurgery].

Nd:YAG lasers with different wavelengths are used in neurosurgery. Their great advantage is the ability of coagulation of blood vessels and delivery through flexible fiber optics . Nd:YAG laser with wavelength 1.318 microns is used, besides, to connect blood vessels and nerves. CO2 laser is the best cutting tool but requires, for delivery rigid cable. Both types of lasers cause shrinkage and vaporisation of the tumors what facilitates its removing without greater traumatisation of surrounding tissues. The introduction of sapphire contact tips to Nd:YAG and argon lasers enables application of small laser powers and diminish the area of damage in surrounding structures. Contact laser is used for destroying of tumours, coagulation of blood vessels, restoration of patency of the main arteries, interstitial denaturation of gliomas and denaturation of the nucleus pulposus in lumbar vertebral column.