CO2 Laser versus Conventional Microsurgery in the Management of Benign Vocal Fold Lesions

Benign superficial lesions of vocal fold (nodule, polyp, cyst and Reinke’s edema) arise from the epithelium and the lamina propria. Vocal abuse and misuse presumably lead to excessive mechanical stress and trauma in the membranous portion of vocal fold, resulting in wound formation. Wound healing leads to remodeling of the superficial layer of the lamina propria. This tissue remodeling leads to formation of benign vocal fold lesions. These lesions are classically treated by conventional microsurgery and recently by CO2 laser. The use of the CO2 laser for the surgical treatment of Minor Associated Pathological Lesions (MAPL’s) is still controversial. Some preferred cold instruments, whereas others appreciate CO2 laser as a novel alternative to conventional microsurgery for benign vocal fold lesions. To summarize the reviewed literature the issue of CO2 laser versus cold instruments is still controversial and the stage is open for more studies.Key wordsCO2 laser, Benign vocal fold lesions, Conventional microlaryngosurgery.