Anesthesia for otolaryngologic surgery involving use of a laser.

Abstract

Many additional considerations go into the anesthetic management of an otolaryngologic case involving laser surgery. All these considerations involve techniques for facilitating cooperation between the anesthesiologist and the surgeon, while at the same time doing what's best for the patient. The additional risk of fire and inadvertent injury to either the patient or medical personnel should receive high-priority attention by both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist. In short, "vigilance" takes on additional and special meanings when a laser is in use.