Role of laser [KTP] in airway disorders in pediatric surgery

ABSTRACT

The aim of this work was to assess the role of laser in airway disorders in pediatric surgery. A prospective study in 10 patients with airway disorders, consecutively admitted to the Pediatric Surgery Center, University of Alexandria between September 1996 and September 1997. We have a laser apparatus [Laserscope] of 2 different wavelengths, the first is 532 of KTP and the second is 1064 of NdYAG. The KTP laser irradiation was induced through the bare fiber of different sizes [200 micro m, 400 micro m, 600 micro m]. We define the technique used either contact or non contact and we define laser parameters as regards, technique [continuous, non contact], pulse interval, pulse duration and power according to the required tissue effect. Laser was used through rigid bronchoscopic video-camera system. General anesthesia was used as a rule either through endotracheal intubation or ventilation through the same stoma of tracheostomized patients. Through the pediatric bronchoscopic procedures done, laser was used in 10 patients of different age varied from 1 day-15 years old age. Twenty laser sessions were applied for 10 patients. The subglottic tracheal stenosis represented the highest incidence. Prolonged intubation was the most common respiratory indication of laser bronchoscopic procedures. Laser may be used alone or in association with other procedures. The most common laser procedure was excision. The complications were reported. The use of laser [KTP] has no substitution in the treatment of some cases of respiratory obstruction