The introduction of the carbon dioxide laser—(in 1972) by Strong and Jako1 as a surgical tool for removal of laryngeal papilloma—heralded a new period of surgical refinement and precision in otolaryngology and also led to adjustment and precautions in operating room setup and in the administration of anesthetics. This article recounts 8 years of experience in carbon dioxide laser surgery on 3500 head and neck patients. Techniques and precautions of administering anesthetics for laser surgery are presented. The management of a laser-ignited burn is also discussed. (OTOLARYNGOL HEAD NECK SURG 95:239,1986.)
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