Comparison between CO2 laser and 4.0 MHz radiosurgery for incising skin in white Carneau pigeons (Columba livia).

To objectively evaluate the collateral damage associated with radiosurgical and carbon dioxide (CO2) laser devices, a comparative surgical and histologic study was undertaken in white Carneau pigeons (Columba livia). Ten pigeons were anesthetized, and a series of 3 skin incisions were made in the pectoral region by using a 4.0-MHz radiosurgical unit, a CO2 laser, and a scalpel blade (control). A total of 90 skin incisions were microscopically evaluated, and their associated mechanical- and thermal-induced tissue lesions were measured in micrometers. Scalpel incisions invariably resulted in hemorrhage, whereas all laser and radiosurgical skin incisions were essentially bloodless. Scalpel blade incisions were least traumatic (mean [SD] 18 +/- 15 microm) followed by incisions created with radiosurgery (mean [SD] 94 +/- 60 microm) and CO2 laser (mean [SD] 150 +/- 64 microm). Radiosurgery was significantly less traumatic than CO2 laser (P = .003). Radiosurgery appears to offer significant benefits over CO2 laser for avian surgery.