Co2 Laser Surgery
The CO2 laser is considered the “workhorse” of laser surgery due to its unique capabilities in performing precise, hemostatic incisions, excisions and ablations of tissue.
Dr. K.C. Kasliwal’s ENT Centre is equipped with the state-of-the-art KLS Martin CO2 Laser system.
Benefits of Co2 Laser Surgery
1. Less Pain
Patients will experience considerably less postoperative pain in almost every instance. This reduction in pain is a result of the unique characteristics of the laser beam as it cuts the tissue precisely, preventing the raw ends typical to scalpel incisions.
2. Minimal Post Operative Swelling
Whenever an incision is made in the tissue with either a scalpel blade or scissors, inflammation begins in the affected tissue. This inflammation is a result of interaction with the circulatory and lymphatic systems. Because the laser beam effectively cauterizes the lymphatic system, there is much less postoperative swelling. In addition, laser energy does not crush, tear, or bruise tissue since there is no physical contact with the tissue. Postoperative Recovery is faster and the patient experiences more comfort.
3. Reduced Chances Of Infection
Since laser beam operates at a temperature of over 200 degrees Fahrenheit; it is highly effective at killing bacteria that have the potential to cause an infection. In fact, this is particularly important in areas in which it is difficult to prevent contamination of the surgical site. The CO2 laser sterilizes the infected area as it removes diseased tissue, leaving healthy tissue undamaged. Because the sterilization process is so effective, the use of antibiotics is substantially reduced.
4. Minimal Surgical Bleeding
When an incision is made with a scalpel blade, blood vessels in the area are severed, and can ooze during and after the surgery. The laser seals small blood vessels as it cuts, reducing or eliminating the need for any other bleeding control measures.
5. Hospitalization and Healing Time
With laser surgery, healing is rapid and there is less postoperative discomfort. Laser procedures provide reduced trauma and less invasive surgeries for patients, improve recovery time, and shorten time spent in the hospital. No tissue reaction (edema) is usually noted. The laser allows destruction of diseased tissue while preserving normal tissue. Post-surgical scarring is also reduced.
6. Greater Accuracy & Precision
The laser can remove diseased tissue without affecting surrounding healthy tissue. Not only does the blood-free cutting benefit the patient, it also provides a clear, dry surgical field for the surgeon.
CO2 laser is used in the following E.N.T surgeries –
Transoral Laryngeal Microsurgery: Vocal Nodules| Cordectomy and cordotomy | Vocal cord polyps and laryngeal papilloma | Reinke’s edema | laryngocele |granulomas | congenital web | primary laryngeal tumours | laryngotracheal stenosis
Ear Surgery: Stapedotomy and myringotomy
Oral Surgery: Leukoplakia | Erythroplakia | Papilloma | Hemangioma | Oral Cancers | Sleep Apnoea Surgery (Laser Assisted Uvulo Palatoplasty) | Tonsillectomy
Nasal, Endonasal & Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Turbinate reduction | removal of nasal obstructions / synechiae | rhinophyma | keloids and hypertrophic scars
Head & Neck: Resection of tumours