Potassium titanyl phosphate laser treatment of intubation vocal granuloma

Vocal process granuloma is an uncommon occurrence which is possibly related to endotrachial intubation. Despite its infrequent occurrence, intubation vocal granuloma has received considerable attention in the literature on account of its versatile clinical managements and various results. We presented a series of cases afflicted with intubation vocal granuloma and documented the promising effect of potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser ablation. Twelve patients of intubation vocal granuloma had been retrospectively reviewed at Tri-Service General Hospital from January 1999 to June 2006. Detailed history taking, physical examination, and voice analysis were conducted in all patients before and after this surgical intervention. They all underwent KTP laser ablation of vocal granuloma. Patients were 7 females and 5 males with a mean age of 46.8 years. The grade of hoarseness, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain (GRBAS) scale and maximum phonation time (MPT) showed significant different before and after this surgical intervention (P < 0.05). There was no recurrence in all patients for at least 14 months in the follow-up. We have found that KTP laser microlaryngosurgery can be a useful therapy and can lead avoidance of repetitive surgical procedures.