title: Nd:YAG laser scalpel compared with conventional techniques in head and neck cancer surgery.
abstract: Many theoretical advantages over conventional surgical techniques have been attributed to the Nd:YAG contact laser. Clinically significant differences in perioperative results between the Nd:YAG contact laser and standard surgery, however, are not well defined. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the Nd:YAG contact laser compared with standard scalpel and/or electrocautery in curative operations for head and neck cancer. Clinical records of 36 patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were studied in three groups: 9 previously irradiated patients operated upon using the Nd:YAG laser (Nd:YAG); 9 previously irradiated patients operated upon using conventional techniques (conventional/RT); 18 nonirradiated patients operated upon using conventional techniques (conventional/no RT). These groups underwent 14, 14, and 25 procedures, respectively. Differences between the Nd:YAG, conventional/RT, and conventional/no RT groups regarding cancer staging, age, procedures performed, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospital and ICU stay were not statistically significant. Preoperative radiotherapy dosages in the Nd:YAG and conventional/RT groups were similar (5,127 +/- 842 vs. 604 +/- 2,373 cGy). Postoperative morbidity in Nd:YAG patients (11%) was similar to that of the conventional/no RT group (17%) and was significantly reduced compared to conventional/RT (11% vs. 56%, P < 0.05). Clinical outcome, including operative time, blood loss, and hospital and ICU stay using the Nd:YAG contact laser in curative operations on previously irradiated patients with head and neck cancer, is equal to that of conventional surgical techniques, with or without preoperative radiotherapy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Camden 08103.
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Gallucci
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Zeltsman
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Slotman
mesh_terms: D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies