Solid state lasers in otolaryngology

The current trend in medicine and surgery towards minimally invasive procedures stimulates proliferation of endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures. Fiberoptic delivery of laser energy enriches this general approach by providing surgical (coagulation, vaporization, and cutting) and diagnostic (reflectometry and spectroscopy) means. Solid state lasers are not new in surgery. They are being used in ophthalmology, urology, orthopedics, cardiovascular medicine and being investigated for potential application in other medical disciplines. In otolaryngology solid state lasers are relatively new, but laboratory and clinical studies have shown them to be useful because of the controlled soft-tissue interaction, limited thermal damage, and unique properties for bone ablation. Areas of current investigation include: sinus surgery, middle ear and eustachian tube, tracheal anastomosis, larynx-cancer surgery