Tongue resection with the CO2 laser: the effects of past radiotherapy on postoperative complications

A clinical study was undertaken in 21 patients to assess the effects of past radiotherapy on complications after tongue resection with the CO2 laser. Ten of the 11 irradiated patients experienced postoperative problems such as pain, haemorrhage, oedema, infection, delayed healing and poor function, while only one of the 10 non-irradiated patients had a problem due to minor bleeding after laser surgery. It is concluded that the CO2 laser is useful for primary excision of accessible tumours in the anterior tongue, but may be associated with more postoperative complications if the tongue has previously been irradiated. Where the tongue resection is part of a more radical excision, the CO2 laser is less advantageous.