Cochlear tolerance of Nd:YAG laser myringotomy.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to assess whether Nd:YAG laser myringotomy has a negative effect on the cochlea.


METHODS
Ten adult guinea pigs with a normal Preyer's reflex were treated by myringotomy with an Nd:YAG laser (power output 8-10W) under surgical microscopic guidance. Preoperative and immediately postoperative hearing tests were performed using auditory brainstem response. The cochlear hair cells were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM).


RESULTS
The mean postoperative hearing threshold of the auditory brainstem response showed an insignificant elevation. SEM findings revealed normal outer and inner hair cells after laser myringotomy.


CONCLUSIONS
No negative effect of Nd:YAG laser myringotomy on the cochlea was found. From these results, it can be concluded that the Nd:YAG laser is safe and effective for myringotomy.
Jang
Chul Ho
CH
Department of Otolaryngology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Hak-dong 8, Dongku, Gwangju, South Korea. chulsavio@hanmail.net
Cho
Yong Bum
YB
Choi
Cheol Hee
CH
Song
Chang-Hoon
CH
Kim
Seong-Hwan
SH
Park
See Young
SY
D000818:Animals; D003051:Cochlea / Q000601:surgery*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009225:Myringoplasty / Q000009:adverse effects