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Complications of CO 2 laser surgery of the larynx
Author(s) -
Fried Marvin P.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1288/00005537-198303000-00004
Subject(s) - charring , endotracheal tube , larynx , laser , medicine , laser surgery , ignition system , airway obstruction , surgery , tube (container) , airway , intubation , optics , materials science , engineering , mechanical engineering , physics , aerospace engineering , composite material
The use of the surgical laser has become commonplace in many medical centers, however the limitations of its use need to be assessed. The complications of laser use are based on the physics of the instrument and the equipment used. Direct laser effects include burns of tissue unintended for losing, and endotracheal tube (E‐T) ignition. Secondary effects occur as immediate consequences of lasing, such as E‐T tube obstruction, internal E‐T ignition, or mucosal charring. A case of airway obstruction is presented. Delayed effects relate to healing. Suggestions are made to help avoid the outlined complications.