The use of laser in rectal surgery

Abstract

Ten patients with rectal tumors were treated by surgical excision of the tumor using a CO₂ laser Sharplan 733 CO₂ laser, Laser Industries Ltd., Israel. The laser permitted sharp excision, evaporization, or fulguration of tissue. Good hemostasis was achieved. Anesthesia was unnecessary in cooperative, calm patients. There was no mortality or morbidity related to the procedure. In five patients with villous adenoma the tumor was resected with one recurrence as yet (followup 4–16 months). Five patients with inoperable carcinoma were treated for palliation with good results. Our preliminary results indicate that the CO₂ laser can be a useful asset in rectal tumor surgery, especially in elderly, moribund patients and in the definite treatment of benign tumors of the rectum.