Complications of CO 2 Laser Surgery of the Aerodigestive Tract: Experience of 4416 Cases

Abstract

The CO₂ laser was first Introduced for surgery of the aerodigestive tract in 1971. Since that time, great advances in application have been made in both the adult and pediatric population. Recent reports of isolated complications have appeared in the literature. However, a realistic complication rate in a large series of patients has yet to be reported. This report relates the combined experience of the authors in a total of 4416 cases during the 11–year period from 1971 to 1982. There were nine instances of complications, representing a complication rate of 0.2%. These complications provided a unique learning experience for the authors, and led to the establishment of certain basic principles that should be followed in all laser operations. This survey indicates that the CO₂ laser is a safe, extremely useful surgical modality in the aerodigestive tract.