title: The use of carbon dioxide laser in dealing with fibrous strictures of the larynx and trachea.
abstract: The carbon dioxide laser has proved valuable in treating patients with severe scarring of the pharynx and supraglottic larynx. There is minimal re-scarring, and an open operation may be avoided. In conjunction with an open procedure, the laser provides a good method of controlling granulation tissue. Two cases of complete pharyngeal stenosis, resulting from caustic ingestion, are described. In one case, repair was achieved by supraglottic laryngectomy and gastro-hypopharyngeal transposition which temporarily obscured the larynx completely. The laser was used to re-open the laryngeal airway, following which the patient had normal eating, breathing and speaking.
authors.affiliation: Hillbrow Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa.
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Gregor
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000150:complications; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000601:surgery; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007013:Hypopharynx / Q000601:surgery*; D007829:Laryngostenosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male