Laryngeal granuloma as a complication of the CO2 laser

Since the introduction of the carbon dioxide laser by Strong and Jako, complications reported in the literature have been limited primarily to those associated with ignition of the endotracheal tube and its resultant sequelae. Many such cases have been reported but are fortunately rare in relation to the frequency of laser use. Other than the associated tissue injury which is minor when the laser is accidently fired at normal tissue, no other tissue complications have been reported in the literature to date. A granuloma appearing clinically as a lesion of the true cord following laser debulking of a paralytic vocal cord is reported herein.