[Possible applications of laser in otorhinolaryngology]

Laser therapy in otolaryngology--head and neck surgery using laser types working in the range of the visible and infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum is well established. The laser types usually employed for micro- and macrosurgery of the aero-digestive tract and for microsurgery of the middle ear, involving thermal ablation of tissue and extensive areas of damage are described, as well as recent advances in laser technology for future use. The mechanisms by which non-thermal, photo-ablative pulsed solid-state crystal infrared and UV-excimer lasers and photodynamic therapy affect biological tissues are reported. The advantageous main areas of application of the different types of laser according to their physical properties are compared on the basis of the results of our own studies and the relevant literature.