Laser nasal surgery (Review)

Abstract

Laser nasal surgery has been an elusive subject in the last 10 to 15 years It was considered as a potential surgical staple for nasal surgery in the 1980s; however, it did not become one due to technical difficulties. Laser therapy has reemerged as an alternative to classical endoscopic surgery, and otorhinolaryngology surgeons are considering the benefits that it can offer. The advantages of this procedure are shorter hospitalization time, lack of nasal packing, high procedural precision with tissue sparing, and the unique capability of reducing both bacterial and fungal colonization at the level of the paranasal sinus. Therefore, laser therapy appears to be an invaluable tool for clinical practice. Due to the absence of a guaranteed cure for reoccurring nasal polyposis, laser therapy is worth investigating. For this therapy to evolve, an improved understanding of laser types and the effects that they produce is required. By investing in further developments of the equipment, the technique may become more widely used. With the current accelerated rate of technological evolution and robotic capabilities, laser nasal surgery may become a gold standard in future years. The aim of the present review is to evaluate whether it is worth investing in nasal laser surgery as a future alternative to current treatment standards.