Vocal Cord Laser Treatment

Short and important information about Vocal Cord Laser Treatment...

Lasers have been used in laryngeal surgery for many years. The most commonly used laser in microlaryngeal surgery has traditionally been the carbon dioxide [CO2] (10,600 nm) laser. The advantage of this laser is that it causes minimal bleeding when cutting tissue. About 20 years ago, photoangiolytic lasers, known for their proximity to vascular structures rather than their cutting properties, were introduced. The prominent lasers in this group at that time were the pulsed dye laser [PDL] (585 nm) and the potassium titanium phosphate [KTP] laser (532 nm). The newest member of this laser group is known as the TruBlueLaser (445 nm).

How is vocal cord laser treatment applied?

Vocal cord laser treatment was previously performed only in the operating theatre while the patient was asleep. Today, when suitable patients and conditions are provided, this treatment can be performed in an outpatient setting while the patient is awake. The use of flexible glass fibres in photoangiolytic lasers through the working channels of flexible endoscopes has contributed to the widespread application of this technique. The main advantage of these lasers is their ability to target and coagulate superficial and subepithelial blood vessels without damaging the surface epithelium. Similarly, epithelial papillomas and keratotic lesions can be treated without damaging the underlying vocal cord tissues. The ability to do this with very fine glass fibres, approximately 300-400 microns in diameter, is an important advantage.

However, it should be noted that laser therapy for the treatment of vocal cord diseases is still predominantly performed in the operating theatre. This is because it increases the accuracy and effectiveness of treatments such as in vocal cord cancer.

Vocal Cord Laser Treatment While the Patient is Awake

In the attached video, you can see a video of an outpatient patient with vocal cord papilloma being treated in an awake state, without the need for an operating theatre or general anaesthesia.