Laser CO2 surgery of early glottic carcinomas and its benefits

Introduction The goal of our research was to underline the significance of CO2 laser surgery of early glottic carcinomas in order to improve the management and the outcome of these patients admitted in the ENT Clinic Timisoara.

Method/Methodology Over a 4-year period (01/01/2018-31/03/2021), we analised and studied the observation sheets of 64 patients with laryngeal cancer pathology, glottic carcinoma, T1 or T2 and N0, that have been treated with transoral cordectomy using a CO2 laser and postoperative radiotherapy on the cervical lymph nodes. The following parameters were evaluated: age, gender, provenience, staging and in particular, the treatment, method, recurrence rate and the outcome.

Results We obtained the following oncological results in our series: no evidence of disease – 50 cases (78.1 %), local or regional reccurrence in 14 cases (21.9%). Immediate functional results were good and very good in majority of the cases. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 4-18 months, average 12 months. Neither tracheostomy or nasogastric tube were necessary in our series.

Conclusion Laser CO2 has a much lower recurrence rate than cold instrument surgery. Laryngeal function conservation has multiple benefits for the patient in comparison with open surgery. Intra and postoperative complications are lower in laser CO2 surgery.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 May 2023