Laser Oropharyngeal Surgeries Versus Non-Laser Oropharyngeal Surgical Procedures

Abstract

Back ground and objectives: CO2 laser is now being used for different oropharyngeal surgical procedures. On the other hand these same surgical procedures are being performed by non-laser activities which create higher risk of postoperative sequels and complications as well as more tendency to postoperative handicapping with longer duration of hospitalization. Therefore this study was conducted prospectively to confirm that CO2 laser had been improving the postoperative status of oropharyngeal surgical procedures as compared to non-laser techniques.

Materials and methods: 35 patients aged 7-53 years of different oropharyngeal disorders, namely chronic hypertrophied tonsils who underwent tonsillectomy, sleep apnea syndrome with redundant palate and large uvula who operated by uvula palatopharyngoplasty (uppp), uvular cysts and base of tongue haemingiomas who operated by laser and non-laser excisions. The patients were divided into two groups, group-A which included 15 patients and operated by CO2 laser technique, group-B in which patients operated by non-laser surgical procedures and in both groups by random distribution, the Varity of previously mentioned oropharyngeal lesions were included. The both groups compared in relation to operative time consumption, intra operative bleeding, postoperative dysphagia and odynophagia, postoperative oral intake, vomiting tendency, referred otalgia, fever, otitis media, septicemia, airway obstruction; the period of postoperative hospitalization and healing process.

Results: 80% of patients who under went the CO2 laser procedures showed non-significant intra operative and postoperative bleeding, non-significant dysphagia, odynophagia, referred otalgia, fever, and vomiting tendancy as compared to non-laser techniques with percentage of 37% who showed same results. 40% of patients of group-A stayed less than 6 hours postoperatively in hospital as compared to group-B in which all patients stayed ≥ 24 hours in the hospital after surgery. Regarding otitis media, airway obstruction and septicemia, in the both groups no cases were registered. The healing process as sequale of both procedures completed by one week.

Conclusion: Generally speaking CO2 laser oropharyngeal surgical procedures, techniquely appear more easy, safe, and effective, with higher economic values as compared to the non-laser techniques which create higher risk of handicapping and complications.