Abstract
We have used a high-powered carbon dioxide laser surgical unit ( Model 60 Z, Nippon intrarret indastrys Co., LTD.) since june, 1982 for clinical purposes in maxillofacial surgery. Up to now, laser surgery has been applied to 24 cases in total. This paper reports the results of our 20 cases, including benign and malignant tumors in maxillofacial region. The patients were 12 males and 8 females whose ages ranged from 18 to 68 years (mean 47 years). Cases involved 10 malignant tumors and 10 benign tumors.
Malignant tumors were treated with combined therapy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy (Pepleomycin) as well as surgery. In the operative procedures, surgical laser was used at the level of 10-15 W in the soft tissue and at NSP (Niic superpuls) 10-15 W or CW 40W in the bone. All of them except 2 cases have been progressing favorably with no sign of recurrence or metastasis. 2 patients followed by cerrvical metastasis received radical neck desection, but subsequently they died. In the cases of benign tumors, we were not bothered with excess bleeding even when hemangioma, and all surgical procedures were accomplished preferably. There was no postoperative infection. Postoperative pain was slight and operative wounds healed favorably.
