Papillomatosis of the larynx: treatment with CO2 laser.
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.
Mesolella
M
M
ENT Department, University Federico II, Naples, Italy.
Motta
G
G
Laguardia
M
M
Galli
V
V
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