In-Office Laryngeal Laser Treatment

Abstract

The advancement of lasers and optics over the last half of the twentieth century has enabled the otolaryngologist to visualize and treat many diseases heretofore treated only in the operating room. The laryngologist, specifically, can now use fiber-based lasers and thin working channel scopes to diagnose and treat many laryngologic conditions in the office. Pulsed-dye lasers and potassium titanyl phosphate lasers are utilized to treat granulomas, polyps, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, airway stenosis, reinke’s edema, leukoplakia, and vascular lesions without the need for general anesthesia or the associated operating room time, monetary expense, or recovery period. The ease of use, efficacy, cost savings, and good safety profile have facilitated their rapid adoption and the movement away from the operating room for treatment of these common pathologies.