[The CO2 laser in oto-rhino-laryngologic surgery]

Experience with 122 CO2-laser procedures is reported. 68 operations were performed in the larynx, 13 in the pharynx, and 10 in the oral cavity. 30 were tonsillectomies and 1 excision of a exophytic skin tumor. The advantages of CO2-laser surgery are minimal hemorrhage during surgery, excellent visibility in the operative field, only slight postoperative edema and reduced pain in the postoperative period. Surgery with the CO2-laser beam is beneficial for the following indications: endolaryngeal microsurgery, procedures in highly vascularized organs (tongue) or on well vascularized tumors (hemangioma), and surgery in hemophiliacs.