Surgical advances in the treatment of lesions of the pediatric airway: the role of the carbon dioxide laser.

Transoral microsurgery of the larynx has now made it possible to treat multiple lesions heretofore only treatable by external approach. The introduction of the surgical carbon dioxide laser has been the single greatest advance in transoral surgery of the airway in the past 15 years. This modality of therapy offers many features not found in any other known form of surgery. It is especially useful in the pediatric airway where the avoidance of edema and the need for minimal scarring is most critical. Its unique aspects make this form of treatment most desirable in the pediatric laryngotracheal region.