CO₂-laser in the removal of a plexiform neurofibroma from the eyelid

We present a child with neurofibromatosis type I (NF-I) who underwent excision of a large upper lid neurofibroma using a CO₂-laser. Plexiform neurofibromas are notorious for their bleeding tendency and the inability to achieve complete surgical excision. The CO₂-laser is an adjunct to achieving better hemostasis and delineation of the tissue in the absence of natural tissue planes caused by the tumor's diffuse mode of growth. Using the CO₂-laser achieves better cosmesis, while reducing operation time and limiting complications.