Diode Laser
improves quality of 
ENT surgery

Laser is now universally accepted as the most advanced technological tool in various specialities of surgery. However the properties of all lasers are not alike and surgeries in the ENT field have advanced significantly with the introduction of Diode Laser.

It offers the most bloodless surgery available today. This laser is especially suited for ENT works and finds application in various aspects of surgery in the ear, nose, larynx, neck etc. With introduction of Diode Laser, there has been a significant improvement in the quality of ENT surgery.

The commonly used lasers in ENT till date were CO2 (carbondioxide), argon laser and Nd: YAG laser. The diode laser, 980 nm wavelength which was invented and introduced to the field of ENT surgery recently, combines the beneficial effects of all these lasers into one. The tissue cutting effect is comparable to that of CO2 laser, its coagulation effects are comparable to that of argon laser, and it results in a slightly higher degree of absorption by tissue than does the ND: YAG laser.

“As in all surgeries, precision is of utmost importance. In ENT surgery a lot of work especially operation on the ear, vocal cords and now tonsils and adenoids are undertaken using the microscope,” says Dr Udaya Chand Das, ENT Specialist, Zulekha Hospital who introduced this surgery for the first time in a private hospital in 2009.

“The microscope provides a well illuminated and magnified operative field in which the bright red laser is positioned with great accuracy. The laser beam can have precision up to even 0.1 mm or less facilitating super fine work during surgery,” he says.

He also says the laser beam will seal of all small blood vessels automatically as it cuts during surgery. “This is of great importance as the blood loss is minimized, avoiding blood transfusion and associated risks,” he adds. The diode laser can be delivered through a 200 micrometer flexible fibre. This is of vital importance where access is limited as in children and in small operating areas such as ear and vocal cords.

“By its property of sealing of blood vessels and lymph vessels immediately, the spread of cancer cells during operation is significantly reduced. Many open major surgeries can be avoided when the cancer is treated with the laser. The laser beam works by instant vaporization of the tissue. This reduces the post operative swelling and therefore a quicker recovery with less pain for the patient,” he says.

Diode laser can be used for outpatient indications like turbinate reduction, nasal obstruction, polyps, septal surgery, LAUP for snoring, tonsillectomy, oral lesions, leukoplakia, bleeding from nose etc.

Inpatient indications are mainly endoscopic sinus surgery, tonsillectomy, vocal cord lesions, vaporization of papillomas and vaporization of tumours (in larynx and pharynx), DCR etc.

—news@khaleejtimes.com

Dr Udaya Chand Das, ENT Specialist, Zulekha Hospital