Laser neurosurgery: Past, present, and future

The incorporation of the laser into the neurosurgical armamentarium was surprisingly late in comparison to its use in other precise fields, such as ophthalmology and otolaryngology. Since its arrival, however, a veritable revolution in neurological surgery has taken place. The uses of this instrument, present and future, are discussed in their historical perspective. The author proposes an "ideal" laser for neurosurgery.