title: Papillomatosis of the larynx: treatment with CO2 laser.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We report our experience treating papillomatosis of the larynx using CO2 laser which has a lower risk of post surgical complications. Papillomatosis has a high incidence of recurrence after surgical treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  We treated 42 patients (10 adults and 32 children) affected by multiple papillomatosis of the larynx. Smaller papillomas were vaporized with a 7-8 Watt CO2 laser and larger papillomas were resected at the base of their implantation. A strict follow-up during the first 3 years after surgical treatment was necessary to manage recurrences with CO2 laser endoscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All patients presented with recurrences after the first surgical treatment, but within 18-60 months all patients presented a solution of their pathology. Post-operative complications were observed in patients who did not comply with the strict follow-up protocol and presented with large lesions requiring more invasive surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CO2 laser endoscopy, although it did not prevent recurrences of papillomatosis in the larynx, is a valid surgical approach in the management of this pathology.
authors.affiliation: ENT Department, University Federico II, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mesolella
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Motta
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Laguardia
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Galli
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D010212:Papilloma / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications