Pitfalls in intranasal laser surgery and how to avoid them

My experience with 250 intranasal laser surgical procedures performed with the carbon dioxide laser and the surgical microscope are described. Procedures include excision and vaporization of polyps, turbinates, tumors, telangiectasias, synechiae, nasal stenoses, intranasal cysts, papillomas, and septal spurs. Avoidance of technical problems is emphasized in this article since intranasal laser surgery is, in some respects, difficult to perform. Included are practical suggestions about patient positioning, use of protective devices, and patient selection.