CO2-laser treatment of recurrent glottic carcinoma.

The records of 23 patients treated by CO2-laser surgery for recurrent glottic carcinoma after radiotherapy were studied retrospectively to assess treatment results and complications. 15 patients (65%) were cured with one or more laser procedures. The remaining 8 underwent a total laryngectomy for a second or third recurrence. One patient (4%) died of disease. No major complications from CO2-laser surgery were encountered. It is concluded that CO2-laser surgery is a safe method of treatment of recurrent glottic carcinoma.