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Holmium:YAG laser: 12-year study of indications for use and outcomes in benign and malignant otolaryngological conditions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 April 2010

J Joseph ,
M-C Jaberoo  and
M Dilkes
J Joseph*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Barts and the London NHS Trust, London, UK
M-C Jaberoo
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Barts and the London NHS Trust, London, UK
M Dilkes
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Barts and the London NHS Trust, London, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Jonathan Joseph, 5 Widecombe Way, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London N2 0HJ, UK. E-mail: jajoseph@doctors.org.uk
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Abstract

Background:

We present the largest recorded case series of holmium:YAG laser use in otolaryngology. This laser's hand-held delivery device is easier to manipulate compared with other ENT lasers, and its pulsed delivery mode gives it enhanced cutting and coagulation properties.

Methods and results:

We conducted a 12-year, retrospective study of holmium:YAG laser use in a tertiary referral centre. Sixty-eight patients were included. Nineteen received primary laser treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract (nine with simultaneous neck dissection), and 49 underwent either palatine or lingual tonsillectomy for benign disease. One cancer patient developed a pharyngo-cutaneous fistula, and a second suffered a secondary haemorrhage. No other complications were recorded. There were no local recurrences.

Conclusions:

The holmium:YAG laser is safe and effective for benign and malignant otolaryngological conditions. In cancer treatment, it may be best to delay neck dissection until the primary site has healed, in order to avoid fistula formation.

Keywords

Laser SurgeryHolmiumHead And Neck NeoplasmsOtorhinolaryngological Surgical Procedures
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 124 , Issue 8 , August 2010 , pp. 896 - 898
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2010

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