Anaesthesia for intra-laryngeal laser surgery.

Tim LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation), was first introduced into medicine about a decade ago, and within this relatively short time, has added a new dimension to medical science. A variety of substances (solids and gases) can stimulate laser emissions. Lasers vary in wavelength and physical properties. These variations make them useful for a variety of clinical and investigational purposes. Some lasers are selectively absorbed by different tissues in the body. In contrast, the carbon dioxide laser is ahnost completely absorbed by all the tissues in the body. 1,2,~,<~,~ The carbon dioxide laser currently used was first developed in 1965. Its potential as a surgical tool was recognized early, leading to the development of the laser endoscope and the stereomicroscope laser attachment. 7 The recent introduction of the carbon dioxide laser for intralaryngeal surgery 8,9,1~ has posed a number of challenging problems for the anaesthetist for the skilful and judicious anaesthetic management for this kind of surgical procedure. The advantages claimed for laser surgery over conventional techniques are localized destruction of tissue to precisely contxolled depths with minimal bleeding, insignificant tissue reaction, and rapid recoveryP This presentation outlines our experience in anaesthetic management and the precautionary steps to be taken during intralaryngeal operations, in the light of currently available clinical data.