[The CO2 laser in dermatotherapy--use and indications]. / Der CO2-Laser in der Dermatotherapie--Anwendung und Indikation.

ABSTRACT

Due to the high absorption of infrared light in water the CO2 laser (lambda = 10,600 nm) is suitable for cutting and vaporizing tissue. The ablation of pathological tissue by means of the CO2 laser can be exactly controlled. The treated area is usually dry and clear since blood and lymph vessels up to a diameter of 1 mm are sealed. Postoperative swelling and pain are reduced compared with electrosurgery. Important and frequent indications for CO2 laser application are HPV papillomas (condylomata acuminata, common warts, bowenoid papules) and the removal of tattoos. The CO2 laser is also suitable for the removal of benign and disseminated lesions such as angiofibromas, syringomas, trichoepitheliomas, epidermal nevi etc. Lesions of the oral mucosa (leukoplakias, mucosal warts) can be removed by means of the CO2 laser. Additionally, the treatment of vascular lesions (nevi flammei, lymphangiomas, telangiectasias) has been described, although the CO2 laser does not operate in a vessel-specific manner. As this review article demonstrates, the CO2 laser has a broad range of applications and represents an enrichment of dermatotherapy.