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Neodymium‐yag laser photocoagulation of hemangiomas of the head and neck
Author(s) -
Shapshay Stanley M.,
David Laurence M.,
Zeitels Steven
Publication year - 1987
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 - 10.1288/00005537-198703000-00011
Subject(s) - medicine , head and neck , hemangioma , nd:yag laser , surgery , laser , optics , physics
Hemangiomas of the head and neck region can be a therapeutic challenge depending on their size, flow rate, and location. The neodymium‐yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd‐YAG) laser was used to treat 16 pediatric and adult patients with cavernous, capillary, and mixed hemangiomas as well as hypertrophic port‐wine stains of the head and neck. Low‐power energy and intermittent short exposure accomplished photocoagulation with minimal damage to surrounding tissue. Follow‐up study in these patients has ranged from 1 to 3 years with excellent results in 14 of 16 patients. Few complications and no major morbidity or mortality occurred. Photocoagulation of hemangiomas of the head and neck using the Nd‐YAG laser appears to be an exciting new therapeutic option for this difficult problem. Further clinical study and follow‐up appear to be warranted.