With the recent increased popularity of laser use in neurosurgery, there arises the question of the value and necessity of a "hands-on" laser workshop in preparing the surgeon for clinical use of the instrument. To find an answer, a questionnaire was recently circulated to those who had participated in such a workshop.
Participants were asked whether they were actually using the laser clinically since attending the workshop and, if so, the type of laser they were using. Whether the course was influential in their decision to use a laser and whether they felt they could have used the instrument without such a course was also asked. In addition, the surgeons were asked how long it took them to become comfortable using the laser. The types of procedures. the percentage of operative cases and the mode (freehand or microlinked) in which the laser was used was also investigated. Finally, absolute indications for laser use in neurosurgery and methods to improve laser education were sought.
The answers were varied and interesting, but it is our conclusion that a "handson" workshop is both a valuable and necessary means of preparing a neurosurgeon for clinical use of a laser, and participation in such a course should be encouraged.