Comparative histological and radiographic effects of CO2 laser versus standard surgical anterior cervical discectomy in the dog.

The use of the CO2 laser in the extirpation of selected intracranial and spinal tumors has been shown to be of great benefit. The role of the CO2 laser as applied to other neurosurgical procedures has not been adequately explored or defined. The authors have compared the radiological and histological effects of performing anterior cervical discectomy with the CO2 laser to those of performing it by standard operative technique. Groups of laboratory dogs underwent anterior cervical discectomy performed in both operative fashions. The animals were killed and the operated disc spaces were examined radiographically and microscopically. Observations were made 1, 3, 5, 8, and 10 weeks postoperatively. Based upon these radiographic and microscopic evaluations, the authors were able to draw certain conclusions with respect to the use of the CO2 laser in performing anterior cervical discectomy.

Sacral plexus nerve sheath tumor: case report.

A young woman with chronic sciatica was found to have an intrapelvic sacral plexus nerve sheath tumor. Computed tomography of the pelvis was used to delineate this unusual site of tumor development. The case report and a discussion of pelvic nerve sheath tumors are presented.