Nd:YAG laser treatment for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal hemangiomas: a new technique

The treatment of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal hemangiomas is indicated when they are symptomatic, causing dysphagia, recurrent bleeding, or airway obstruction. These tumors are found in the glottis, supraglottic larynx, and hypopharynx. Histologically, they are considered as mixed or cavernous-type hemangiomas. By utilizing a glass slide to compress the lesion, its thickness and blood flow are reduced. The tumor can then be laser-photocoagulated with less energy, with the glass slide used as a laser platform. These conditions optimize the benefits of laser ablation while minimizing the adverse heat sink effects to the surrounding healthy tissue. We present three patients with hemangiomas of the larynx and hypopharynx who were treated with this technique. The details of the technique in each case will be presented with the objective of improving the care of these unusual and challenging tumors.