Reduction of local tumor recurrence by excision with the CO2 laser

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the effect of CO₂ laser surgery on the incidence of local recurrence following tumor resection. Thirty female Fisher 344 rats were implanted with R3230AC mammary carcinoma. All tumors were completely excised 18–21 days post‐implantation.In 15 animals, the resection was done with a scalpel. Fifteen animals underwent laser excision with the Sharplan 733 CO₂ laser (TEMoo, 125mm handpiece, 25W continuous wave).Primary tumor size was 17.6 ± 1.4mm in the scalpel group and 21.2 ± 6.3mm in the laser group. Tumor recurred in 14/15 (93.4%) of the scalpel group and 5/ 15 (33.3%) of the laser group (p2 laser is an effective surgical adjunct to reduce local tumor seeding and recurrence.