Transoral laser surgery for supraglottic cancer.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction of the CO2 laser by Strong and Jako in 1972 for laryngeal papilloma removal ushered in a new dimension in surgery of the larynx. Because it increases visualization and hemostasis and decreases tissue edema and morbidity, the CO2 laser has enhanced the effectiveness of microlaryngoscopic surgery. Forty patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottis (T1–T3) underwent transoral CO2 laser resection. Twenty of these patients had a combined neck node dissection and postoperative radiotherapy. Advantages of the laser transoral approach are facility, immediate restoration of swallowing, shortened hospitalization, and avoidance of tracheostomy.