Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment of Laryngeal Granulomas

Abstract

Laryngeal granulomas are effectively treated with antireflux therapy and speech therapy. Failure to respond leads to treatment with Botox or surgical excision. We report on the use of the pulsed dye laser for treating chronic granulomas that do not respond to standard therapy. We performed a retrospective review from September 2002 to September 2003. Patients identified with chronic granulomas that were not responding to standard therapy were treated in our office with the pulsed dye laser. Ten patients were identified; the mean age was 58 years. Two patients underwent more than one pulsed dye laser treatment. Five of the 10 had resolution of their lesions, and 3 had a partial response. Two were unchanged. The average follow-up was 6 months, and there were no complications. We conclude that in-office use of the pulsed dye laser is a relatively safe and effective method for treating laryngeal granulomas that do not respond to antireflux therapy and speech therapy.

Advances in office‐based diagnosis and treatment in laryngology

“…In‐office laser treatment is indicated for a variety of epithelial lesions of the larynx, including papilloma, granuloma, leukoplakia, dysplasia, Reinke's edema, and vocal fold polyps 46, 48, 51, 52. It has also been used in selected other lesions, such as vascular ectasias and stenosis 47, 48, 53.…”

Office-based 585 nm pulsed dye laser treatment for vocal polyps

“…The physical properties of the PDL are very useful for decreasing tissue damage of the epithelium and the lamina propria of the vocal fold as well as tissue scarring. Currently, there are clinical trials evaluating the use of the PDL for respiratory papillomatosis, vocal dysplasia, and laryngeal granuloma [3,4].…”

Laryngeal Granulomas Associated with Superior Laryngeal Nerve Paresis

“…3 When these conservative measures fail, laryngeal surgery (CO 2 laser, pulsed dye laser, cold excision, or cautery) is sometimes effective, and antibiotics, vocal fold augmentation, and laryngeal botulinum toxin injection may also have important roles in treatment. 1,[13][14][15][16] Botulinum toxin has been used to successfully treat vocal process granulomas based on the hyperadduction/hypermobility theory. 17,18 Augmentation of the vocal folds by injection laryngoplasty has also been used successfully in patients with vocal fold paresis and paralysis.…”