What is CO2 Laser?

LASER is the acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Laser is a device that emits light through a process of Optical amplification based on stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. CO2 Laser is used as cutting tool in surgical practice because of its precision and least collateral thermal damage to adjacent tissue.

In ENT practice how CO2 laser can be used?CO2 Laser can be used in Otolaryngology practice in the following manner:

• In Nose: Laser can be used to reduce the turbinate size. It also can be used to remove small lesions on nasal septum or vestibule.
• In Oral cavity: It is used to remove some tumours from oral cavity. CO2 Laser can be used to carry out tonsillectomy. Laser assisted Uvulo-palato-pharyngoplasty (LAUP) is done for Snoring and sleep apnoea.
• In Larynx: CO2 laser is the preferred laser for excision of benign lesions of vocal cords. It can also be used to excise malignant tumours of Larynx and hypo pharynx.
• In Ear: During Stapedectomy procedure to create hole in the foot plate of stapes.

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO OF CO2 LASER SURGERY (Kashima’s operation for bilateral vocal cord palsy)

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF SUREGRY FOR LARYNGOMALACIA