title: CO2 laser in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery: a retrospective analysis of complications.
abstract: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients undergoing CO2 laser surgery by members of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Northwestern University Medical School from January 1, 1980 through December 31, 1981; 204 cases were identified and all are included in this report. Early in our department's experience with laser surgery, an endotracheal tube fire occurred. This incident precipitated a departmental review of complications associated with the use of the CO2 laser and resulted in the formulation of a laser safety protocol. All patients in this group were treated under the directives of this protocol; the operative complication rate was low. This retrospective analysis of complications associated with the use of the CO2 laser under a strictly applied protocol demonstrates the relative safety associated with judicious use of this instrument.
mesh_terms: D004869:Equipment Safety; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013525:Surgical Instruments