Laser surgery in lingual tonsil hyperplasia.

Modern techniques have reduced the long existing reluctance to perform lingual tonsillectomy. The results of treatment of hyperplasia of the lingual tonsil with the carbon dioxide laser in 32 patients are presented. After exposure with a special endoscope the lingual tonsil can be vaporized or excised under microscopic control with promising results, far superior to the results obtained with other surgical techniques. Since the success rate of the surgery depends on the diagnostic criteria for applying this therapy, a careful selection of patients is essential.