title: Holmium:YAG laser: 12-year study of indications for use and outcomes in benign and malignant otolaryngological conditions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We present the largest recorded case series of holmium:YAG laser use in otolaryngology. This laser's hand-held delivery device is easier to manipulate compared with other ENT lasers, and its pulsed delivery mode gives it enhanced cutting and coagulation properties.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We conducted a 12-year, retrospective study of holmium:YAG laser use in a tertiary referral centre. Sixty-eight patients were included. Nineteen received primary laser treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract (nine with simultaneous neck dissection), and 49 underwent either palatine or lingual tonsillectomy for benign disease. One cancer patient developed a pharyngo-cutaneous fistula, and a second suffered a secondary haemorrhage. No other complications were recorded. There were no local recurrences.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The holmium:YAG laser is safe and effective for benign and malignant otolaryngological conditions. In cancer treatment, it may be best to delay neck dissection until the primary site has healed, in order to avoid fistula formation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Barts and the London NHS Trust, London, UK. jajoseph@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.forename: M-C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Jaberoo
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dilkes
mesh_terms: D000535:Aluminum; D017577:Cutaneous Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006695:Holmium; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom; D015019:Yttrium
chemical_list: C503779:yttrium-aluminum-garnet; D015019:Yttrium; D000535:Aluminum; D006695:Holmium