Indications and outcome of CO2 lasers in larynx in a Tertiary care center.

• Main Authors: Dr. Meeta Bathla, Dr. Shreha Pathak, Dr. Naitik Shah, Dr. Ajay Shah, Dr. Madhavi Raibagkar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: B.J.Medical College Development Society, Ahmedabad 2017-12-01
• Series: BJ Kines: National Journal of Basic & Applied Sciences
• Subjects: CO2 laser; Laryngology; Laser.
• Online Access: http://bjkines.com/vol9dec17/paper4d17fulltext.pdf
• ISSN: 2231-6140; 2231-6140

Background: Lasers are relatively newer and popular addition to the domain of laryngology. The lasers have offered a time and cost effective option to cold surgical techniques and have been used in the treatment of various laryngeal pathologies. However, it may be associated with complications which can be minimized by proper understanding of the mechanism of lasers. Aim: To study the indications, advantages, complications and outcomes of CO2 laser in laryngeal pathologies. Materials and methods: 40 patients, admitted in the department of ENT surgery of our institution, who were treated with CO2 laser were included in the study and were analyzed for the indications, advantages, complications and outcome of CO2 laser surgery prospectively. Results: Out of the 40 patients, 27 were males and 16 were females in a ratio of 2:1. The mean age was 29.85 years and age range was 6 to 70 years, the age group 16-30 years constituted the majority (37.5%). Post corrosive laryngeal stenosis was the major indication (35%). Tracheostomy was required in 40% patients. Complications were noted in 27.5% patients, the most common were immediate oedema and late granulation formation. 80% patients could be discharged next day of the surgery and 75% of tracheostomised patients were decannulated within a month of surgery. Conclusion: CO2 laser is an effective option in management of laryngeal pathologies. While it offers various advantages over conventional surgeries, it can be associated with complications. However the outcome is favourable and encourages us to continue and recommend lasers for laryngeal surgeries.