Histologic comparison of skin biopsy specimens collected by use of carbon dioxide or 810-nm diode lasers from dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To compare histologic artifacts caused by carbon dioxide (CO2) or 810-nm diode surgical lasers used to obtain small biopsy specimens of skin from healthy dogs.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
4 dogs.


METHODS
21 skin biopsy specimens were collected from each dog. Three biopsy specimens were obtained with a CO2 or an 810-nm diode laser at 3 operating settings each, and 3 biopsy specimens were obtained with a 6-mm biopsy punch instrument (controls). After processing, biopsy specimens were examined for artifacts related to laser-tissue interactions. Microscopically visible char was measured from the lateral edge of each specimen obtained with a laser.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences among mean char distances in biopsy specimens obtained with the CO2 laser at various settings. Mean char distance was significantly greater in all skin biopsy specimens obtained with the diode laser, compared with those obtained with the CO2 laser. Mean char distance was significantly greater in biopsy specimens obtained with the 810-nm diode laser at high power, compared with biopsy specimens obtained with the 810-nm diode laser at low power.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicated that the CO2 laser caused less thermal injury at margins of skin biopsy specimens; therefore, if a surgical laser is used for removal of cutaneous masses or to obtain skin biopsy specimens, use of the CO2 laser is recommended. Veterinarians performing a biopsy by using a surgical laser should be aware that laser-induced artifacts may render small biopsy specimens useless for providing accurate histologic diagnosis.
Rizzo
Lillian B
LB
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
Ritchey
Jerry W
JW
Higbee
Russell G
RG
Bartels
Kenneth E
KE
Lucroy
Michael D
MD
D000818:Animals; D001706:Biopsy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004285:Dogs / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*
D002245:Carbon Dioxide