Benefit and Risks of Laser Surgery in Carcinomas of the Larynx and Pharynx

The incidence of laryngeal and pharyngeal cancer increased tremendously over the last 30 years in Europe (4). Several new concepts of therapy were developed 1n the last 10 years. Especially CO₂-laser surgery has gained much Interest. The possibility of endoscopic surgery seems to be a major advantage over conventional surgery which requires a wide exposure of the operating field. However, the limited two dimensional view through the operating microscope can be deleterious as radical excision is required. Another objection was raised due to carbonization at the cutting borders which can hinder a true histological evaluation (2, 4, 5). In our present study we evaluated the benefits and risks of endolaryngeal and endopharyngeal CO₂-laser surgery in the management of carcinomas in these regions.