CO2Laser Surgery for Early Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer

Abstract

Recent years have seen paradigm shift in the treatment of early laryngeal tumors towards microscopic CO2 laser resection because ofexcellent oncologic and functional results. The coupling of the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to the operating microscope has greatly simplified,even revolutionized, microlaryngoscopic surgery. Focus is now not just on oncological outcome but also on preservation of vocal function.This results in a continuous conflict between the need to remove tissue for oncological stability and the need to preserve tissue for optimalvocal function.