Comparative Study Between Conventional Microlaryngeal Surgery and Carbon Dioxide Laser in Management of Minimal Associated Pathological Lesions of Vocal Folds

Abstract

The aim of this study is to compare the relatively new CO₂ laser microlaryngeal surgery and conventional cold dissection method in treatment of minimal associated pathological lesions of vocal folds. Eighty patients aged 20-70 years old were randomly divided into two groups, group A (40 patients) was treated by the conventional method and group B (40 patients) was treated with CO₂ laser microlaryngeal surgery. Assessment procedures included GRBAS scale, stroboscopic examination, and Arabic version of voice handicap index. Results stated that improvement of quality of voice after surgery in both techniques had no significant difference. The significant difference was in operative time and bleeding because laser had less time and bleeding. Both techniques had no recurrence within 3-months follow-up.

Keywords: CO(2) laser; Conventional microlaryngeal surgery; Minimal associated pathological lesions; Stroboscopic examination; Vocal folds; Voice Handicap Index.