Feasibility and Associated Limitations of Office-Based Laryngeal Surgery Using Carbon Dioxide Lasers

Abstract

Office-based laryngeal surgery performed using a CO2 laser was shown to be a feasible treatment option for various types of vocal lesions. However, patients should not undergo this procedure if they have multiple bulky lesions or lesions involving the subglottic area, the laryngeal ventricle, or (in cases of inadequate laryngeal stability) the free edge of a vocal fold.

In‐office procedures for the treatment of benign vocal fold lesions in the awake patient: A contemporary review

“…Nonablative in‐office laser procedure of RE was initially described using pulsed dye laser (PDL), followed by KTP and more recently by CO 2 lasers . In such treatment, authors stress that no immediate size reduction is desired or achieved.…”

“…Should airway symptoms ensue after an office procedure, the patient should be admitted for observation and may respond well to corticosteroids. No serious adverse events have been reported to date …”

“…Nonablative laser procedure for RE appears to be effective in reduction of excess tissue . It can improve patients’ self‐perception of voiceand increase fundamental frequency .…”

“…In‐office laser ablation of granuloma has been described using angiolytic and CO 2 lasers . In‐office angiolytic laser procedure for granuloma can induce size regression .…”

“…Nonablative in-office laser procedure of RE was initially described using pulsed dye laser (PDL), 6-8 followed by KTP [8][9][10][11] and more recently by CO 2 lasers. 12 In such treatment, authors stress that no immediate size reduction is desired or achieved. The laser is generally used in noncontact or limited-contact mode to achieve blanching or minor epithelium disruption (KTP-1/2/3 according to the classification of Mallur et al 13 ).…”