Use of the CO2 laser in otology

There are conflicting reports of the effect on the inner ear of the use of a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. In four cats, we made middle ear lesions with a CO2 laser. Subsequent evaluation by inverted-phase and scanning electron microscopy revealed no inner ear pathology attributable to the CO2 laser. Apparently, appropriate use of the CO2 laser does not harm the inner ear.