CO₂ LASER - A NEW TOOL IN THE SURGEONS ARMAMENTARIUM

One hundred and sixty five patients, treated with carbondioxide (CO₂) laser for benign and malignant lesions of the head and neck were studied. Alveolo-buccal complex (68/165) had the majority of benign and malignant tumors followed by larynx (23/165) and tongue (21/165). All lesions were widely excised, none were reconstructed and all defects healed well with minimal scarring. The post-operative morbidity was minimal and the hospitalization period was 1 to 5 days. Complications were not serious and could be managed easily. This study confirms the usefulness of CO₂ laser surgery for both benign and malignant conditions in head and neck.