Dose-response characteristics of the human larynx with carbon dioxide laser radiation.

The carbon dioxide surgical laser has become increasingly valuable in the management of various aerodigestive, gynecologic, and dermatologic problems. The histopathologic effects of laser radiation on human tissue have received only minimal attention, however. In an attempt to more precisely define the dose-response characteristics of the normal human vocal cord to carbon dioxide laser radiation, a normal larynx was exposed to varying intensities of laser radiation in situ and studied histologically. Tissue destruction varies with alterations in wattage and time exposure. The biologic effects of laser radioation are reviewed.