Experimental study of partial liver resection with a combined CO2 and Nd:YAG laser

The use of the CO₂ laser in liver surgery is mainly limited by the lack of coagulation of the larger vessels. In an experimental study, partial liver resections were performed on pigs with a Nd:YAG as well as with a combined CO₂ and Nd: YAG laser. The best cutting efficiency was obtained with the CO₂ laser. On the other hand, the Nd:YAG laser and the combined laser sources showed excellent hemostasis at the cutting edge corresponding with a width of necrosis at about 5 mm in histomorphometric examination and zones with histologically different characteristics. Rebleedings from the resection lines were avoided in all cases using the combined CO₂ and Nd:YAG laser.