Radiofrequency Versus CO2 Laser in Posterior Cordotomy for Managing Bilateral Abductor Vocal Fold Immobility.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the outcomes of posterior cordotomy in cases with bilateral abductor vocal fold immobility (BAVFI), either by radiofrequency or CO2 laser. METHODS: This prospective comparative randomized study included 80 patients with BAVFI of different etiologies. They were divided randomly into two groups. Group A included 44 patients for whom radiofrequency was used for posterior cordotomy, while the other group (group B) included 36 patients managed by CO2 laser-assisted posterior cordotomy. RESULTS: The postoperative respiratory chink improved significantly in both groups, with a significant improvement in the dyspnea, especially in group B. The postoperative voice handicapped VHI-10 scores showed significant deterioration in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: CO2 laser and radiofrequency-assisted posterior cordotomy were effective and safe for managing cases with BAVFI. Moreover, the CO2 laser has the upper hand regarding breathing and exercise tolerance outcomes, significantly impacting the quality of life.

Systematic review of topical, laser, and oral treatments in acanthosis nigricans clinical trials.

Acanthosis nigricans (AN), with an estimated prevalence of 19.4% in the U.S., presents as hyperpigmented, velvety plaques in intertriginous regions. Acanthosis Nigricans negatively affects psychological well-being and particularly impacts skin of color individuals. Addressing the underlying cause of acanthosis nigricans, as current guidelines recommend, is often challenging. This highlights the importance of skin directed treatment for acanthosis nigricans. This systematic review evaluated topical, laser, and oral treatments for acanthosis nigricans and provides evidence-based recommendations for clinical use. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we evaluated 19 clinical trials investigating topical, oral, and laser interventions for acanthosis nigricans. Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine guidelines were used to make clinical recommendations. We strongly recommend topical tretinoin (grade A) and endorse the appropriate use of adapalene gel, urea cream, and fractional carbon dioxide laser therapy (grade B). Further research is essential to enhance our understanding of alternative treatments to determine additional evidence-based recommendations. This review aims to guide clinicians in managing acanthosis nigricans, especially when direct treatment of underlying conditions is impractical.

Photobiomodulation versus fractional carbon dioxide laser for stria alba in phototype III-IV: a randomized controlled study.

Striae distensae are common dermatological complaint. Cold laser using low-level light/laser therapy (LLLT) offers healing and analgesic effects and was not yet compared to 'hot lasers' efficacy. Study objective: to assess the efficacy and safety of LLLT in the management of stria alba compared to fractional carbon dioxide (FCO2) laser alone and to the combined use of both devices. Thirty patients with stria alba were randomized to receive either LLLT using diode 808 nm; 8-12 sessions, 2-3 sessions weekly (Group A) or FCO2 laser; 2 monthly sessions (Group B) or combined both devices simultaneously (Group C). Follow up was at 1 month and 3 months after last session. The efficacy of LLLT was statistically comparable to FCO2, despite numerical superiority of the latter. The combined group had the least numerical values in all efficacy outcomes. Patients in LLLT group did not experience any downtime. LLLT is effective in the management of stria alba comparable to the FCO2 laser. The lack of downtime with LLLT is reflected positively on patient's satisfaction. However, this is counterbalanced by the frequent weekly visits. Although adding LLLT to FCO2 laser palliates the laser side effects but it offers the least efficacy. Trial registration number NCT04165226 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Laryngeal microsurgery under Transnasal Humidified Rapid Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange.

Objective: Since 2015, Transnasal Humidified Rapid Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange (THRIVE) has been used in general anesthesia for preoxygenation or difficult exposure airway management. Its use offers new opportunities in laryngology. THRIVE increases apnea time and frees the access to the upper airway. However, its use may be less stable than orotracheal intubation. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the feasibility of laryngeal microsurgery under THRIVE including using Laser. Study Design: Retrospective. Setting: A total of N = 99 patients with laryngeal microsurgery (with or without CO2 laser) under THRIVE were included successively from January 1, 2020 to January 30, 2022. Method: Medical history, comorbidities, clinical and surgical data were extracted and analyzed. Two groups were constituted regarding the "success" (use of THRIVE along all the procedure) or the "failure" (need for an endotracheal tube) of the use of THRIVE during the procedure. Results: A failure occurred in N = 15/99 patients (15.2%) mainly due to refractory hypoxia. The odd ratios (OR) for THRIVE failure were: OR = 6.6 [2.9-35] for overweight (BMI >25 kg/m2); OR = 3.8 [1.7-18.7] for ASA score >2; OR = 4.7 [2.3-24.7] for the use of CO2 laser. Elderly patients and patients with pulmonary pathology were not statistically at greater risk of THRIVE failure. No adverse event was described. Conclusion: This work confirms the feasibility of laryngeal microsurgery under THRIVE, including with CO2 laser. Overweight, ASA >2 and lower fraction of inspired oxygen during CO2 laser use increased the risk for orotracheal intubation.

Fractional and Microablative CO2 LASER and Radiofrequency in the Treatment of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: A Descriptive Study.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the vagina clinically, cytologically, and histologically before and after treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) with fractional microablative carbon dioxide LASER (CO2L), radiofrequency (RF), and estrogen vaginal cream (CT). Methods: Women with moderate-to-severe symptoms of GSM, denoted by a GSM Visual analog scale (VAS) score of >4, were eligible for this study. The patients were randomized into treatment groups. In the energy groups, three vulvovaginal applications were administered monthly. The CT group used 0.5 mg vaginal estriol cream for 14 consecutive days, followed by twice a week for 4 months. The follow-up visits occurred 120 days after the beginning of the treatments. The same parameters obtained at the first visit were re-evaluated: GSM VAS score, Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I-QOL), gynecological examination determining Vaginal Health Index (VHI), vaginal smear for Vaginal Maturation Value (VMV), and vaginal biopsy. Results: Seventy-one women were included, 48 completed the study and provided adequate samples for analysis (CO2L [21 patients], RF [15 patients], and CT [12 patients]). GSM symptoms, I-QOL, and VHI significantly improved after all proposed treatments, with no significant differences between them. VMV did not change after any treatment; however, only 22.9% of the patients presented with cytological atrophy before treatment. Histological vaginal atrophy was identified in 6 (12.5%) pretreated vaginal samples. After the intervention, all histological parameters were normalized, no tissue damage was observed, and no major clinical complications were observed. Conclusion: CO2L and RF seem to be good alternatives to CT for GSM treatment, with no tissue damage.

Lasers for the treatment of nail psoriasis: a systematic review.

This systematic review assesses the evidence concerning laser treatments for nail psoriasis (NP), a prevalent condition among individuals with cutaneous psoriasis that notably affects their quality of life. Traditional treatments have limitations in terms of drug delivery and poor patient adherence, leading to interest in laser therapies for their targeted approach, extended treatment intervals, and the potential to enhance topical medication effectiveness. The MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. English-language randomized and non-randomized controlled trials with full-text availability were included. Data on the laser type, treatment protocol, Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) outcomes, and adverse events were extracted, and nail bed and matrix features and patient satisfaction were assessed. The primary effect measure was a percentage reduction in NAPSI scores from baseline. Nineteen studies involving the pulse dye laser (PDL), long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and fractional carbon dioxide laser (FCL) were identified. Lasers, particularly those used in conjunction with topical agents, have shown favorable results. PDL effectively lowered NAPSI scores, and the Nd:YAG laser had comparable effectiveness but more discomfort. FCL also shows promise, particularly for topical drug delivery. PDL and Nd:YAG laser treatment were more effective at reducing nail bed features, whereas FCL was effective at reducing both nail bed and matrix features. Overall, lasers are promising treatment alternatives for NP, with similar NAPSI outcomes to topical therapies and intralesional injections.

Diode Laser Frenectomy: A Torch of Freedom for Ankyloglossia.

Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue-tie, is a rare congenital anomaly of the oral cavity that not only causes difficulties in breastfeeding and teeth cleaning but also causes difficulty in speech articulation. Our patient faced difficulty in freely moving his tongue because of the short lingual frenulum wherein laser lingual frenectomy was indicated. The patient was treated successfully with a soft tissue diode laser having a wavelength of 445 nanometers. The use of a low-wavelength diode laser becomes relatively complimentary to standard scalpel surgery because of patient consolation, offers a blood-free area, reduces inflammation and edema, and is less damaging to thermal tissues.

Prospective Evaluation of Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment of Mature Burn Scars, Post-traumatic Scars, and Post-acne Scars.

BACKGROUND: Annually, around 100 million patients worldwide acquire scars, some of which can cause significant problems. Various treatment interventions, such as topical scar creams, steroids, laser therapy, and surgery, have been developed to manage these scars. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of fractional CO2 laser treatment by assessing outcomes using the Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and clinical photographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 47 patients were included in the study, divided into three groups: a post-acne scar group with 14 patients, a post-burn scar group with 17 patients, and a post-traumatic scar group with 16 patients. Detailed histories were taken, and clinical examinations were performed and recorded on a prepared proforma. Aesthetic outcomes were evaluated based on clinical photographs, and total patient and observer scores were recorded using POSAS at baseline, and after one and three months. POSAS comprises two components: the observer scale (POSAS-O) and the patient scale (POSAS-P). Fractional CO2 laser treatments were performed in each group, with sessions repeated every four weeks for three consecutive sessions. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test for before-and-after comparisons in each study group. Welch's ANOVA test was used for comparisons among the three groups at a significance level of p=0.05, using MS Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington) and IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20 (Released 2011; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York). RESULTS: The mean age for men was 26.38 ± 8.19 years and for women 22.21 ± 6.38 years. The study comprised 34 female patients (72.34%) and 13 male patients (27.66%). The mean POSAS observer and patient scales were recorded and compared for all three types of scars from baseline to three months. The mean percentage change in POSAS-O and POSAS-P (total score) in relation to different scar sites was recorded. The most significant difference in mean percentage change, statistically significant (p-value < 0.05), was observed for facial scars, followed by scars on the neck, and was minimal for scars on the hand, in both observer and patient groups. Even a single session of fractional CO2 laser therapy had profound effects on the overall quality of scars. CONCLUSION: Fractional carbon dioxide laser therapy improves the quality of scars and produces significant improvements in skin texture, with better effects on post-traumatic scars than on post-burn and post-acne scars. Future studies are needed to better understand the mechanism of action and to optimize the doses and timing of therapy.

Impact of laser treatment on hypertrophic burn scars in pediatric burn patients.

Paediatric patients with hypertrophic burn scars benefit from laser treatment, but this treatment's effectiveness on burn wounds stratified by specific body region and prior burn wound therapy has not been fully evaluated. We performed a single center retrospective study of pediatric burn patients, treated with fractional CO2, with or without pulse dye, laser between 2018-2022. We identified 99 patients treated with 332 laser sessions. Median age at the time of burn injury was 4.0 years (IQR 1.7, 10.0) and 7.1 years (IQR 3.6, 12.2) at the time of first laser treatment. In the acute setting, 55.2 % were treated with dermal substrate followed by autografting, 29.6 % were treated with dermal substrate alone, and 9.1 % underwent autografting alone. Most body regions showed improvement in modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS) score with laser treatment. mVSS scores improved significantly with treatment to the anterior trunk (-1.18, p = 0.01), arms (-1.14, p = 0.003), and legs (-1.17, p = 0.015). Averaging all body regions, the mVSS components of pigmentation (-0.34, p < 0.001) and vascularity (-0.47, p < 0.001), as well as total score (-0.81, p < 0.001) improved significantly. Knowing the variable effectiveness of laser treatment in pediatric burn scars is useful in counseling patients and families pre-treatment.

Reducing Carbon Dioxide Laser-Induced Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation with Prophylactic Photobiomodulation: A Case Study.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of prophylactic photobiomodulation (PBM) in reducing postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) induced by carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing in a patient with periorbital syringomas. Background: PIH is a common condition characterized by abnormal skin pigmentation after an inflammatory process occurring in up to 20-30% of patients undergoing CO2 laser resurfacing. Methods: The patient was treated with PBM using a pulsed home-use device at 630 nm before and after CO2 laser treatment. The patient was asked to treat the right periorbital area before and after the CO2 laser treatment, which was continued once a day for 2 consecutive weeks. Results: At 12 weeks, PIH was significantly reduced on the treated side compared with the contralateral untreated side (leading to persistent erythema at 6 months). Conclusions: This is the first report of prophylactic treatment of CO2 laser-induced dyschromia using PBM.

Treatment of Acne Keloidalis Nuchae by Simply Combining Two Conventionally Available Modalities: Ablation with Carbon Dioxide Laser and Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide.

Acne keloidalis nuchae is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the occipital area or nape of the neck characterized by fibrotic papules, firm pustules, and nodules that coalesce into keloid like mass or plaques. It was first described by Kaposi in 1969. It is also known as lichen keloidalis nuchae, dermatitis papillaris capillitia, and folliculitis nuchae scleroticans. If not treated in the early stages of the disease it tends to be refractory to conventional methods like topical, intralesional steroids with antibiotics or retinoids. Surgical interventions remain the only choice in such cases. Various surgical modalities including surgical excision with primary or secondary closure, split-thickness skin grafts, and laser-assisted treatments have been tried. Most surgical methods have longer downtime with a higher chance of relapse. We studied the results of a combined treatment option carbon dioxide laser ablation followed by intralesional triamcinolone injection in the same sitting. This outpatient procedure has shown good results with no relapse and less downtime.

Recurrence and malignant transformation of laryngeal leukoplakia treated with CO2 laser: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Laryngeal leukoplakia (LL) is a white lesion with high potential of recurrence and malignant transformation. Currently, CO2 laser has become the primary surgical treatment for LL, and the recurrence and malignant transformation rates after treatment vary widely. OBJECTIVE: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis dedicated to evaluating the rates of recurrence and malignant transformation of LL lesions treated with CO2 laser and exploring relevant risk factors for recurrence or malignant transformation. METHODS: Literature searches were conducted on ProQuest, PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Some articles identified through hand searching were included. RESULTS: A total of 14 articles and 1462 patients were included in this review. Pooled results showed that the overall recurrence rate was 15%, and the malignant transformation rate was 3%. Subgroup analysis showed that the dysplasia grade was not a significant risk factor for the recurrence and malignant transformation of LL (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that the CO2 laser is a safe and effective surgical instrument for the excision of LL, which yields low rates of recurrence and malignant transformation. The risk factors relevant to recurrence or malignant transformation remain unclear and require further investigation.

Effect of Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate, Proanthocyanidin, Carbon Dioxide Laser Remineralization on the Bond Integrity of Composite Restoration Bonded to Caries-Affected Dentin.

Objective: Assessment of different remineralizing pretreatment casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), proanthocyanidin (PA), carbon dioxide laser (CO2), eggshell solution (ES) on the shear bond strength (SBS) of resin composite bonded to remineralized carious-affected dentin (CAD). Materials and methods: Eighty human molars were collected with occlusal caries that extended about halfway into the dentin. Using a water-cooled, low-speed cutting saw, a flat, mid-coronal dentin surface was exposed. CAD was differentiated from healthy dentin. Based on the remineralizing agent used on the CAD surface, the teeth were arbitrarily allocated into five groups (n = 10). Group 1: no remineralizing agent, Group 2: CPP-ACP, Group 3: 6.5% PA solution, Group 4: CO2 laser, and Group 5: ES solution. All samples were bonded to composite and light cured and thermocycled. SBS and failure mode analysis were performed using universal testing and stereomicroscope 40 × . Using SPSS, SBS, and failure mode data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey's honesty significant difference (HSD) test Results: Group 3 (6.5% PA solution; 15.59 ± 1.44 MPa) samples established the maximum bond integrity. Nevertheless, Group 1 (No remineralizing agent; 11.19 ± 1.21 MPa) exhibited the minimum outcome of bond strength. Intergroup comparison analysis showed that Group 1 (No remineralizing agent), Group 2 (CPP-ACP), and Group 4 (CO2 laser) established comparable values of bond strength (p > 0.05). Likewise, Group 3 (6.5% PA solution) and Group 5 (EA solution) also revealed equivalent bond integrity (p > 0.05). Conclusions: PA and ES are considered potential remineralizing agents used for caries-affected dentin surfaces in improving bond integrity to composite resin. However, further studies are advocated to extrapolate the findings of this study.

Effectiveness of Surgical Deroofing and Carbon Dioxide Laser in Moderate-to-Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that causes pain and discomfort in various body regions. This review explores the comparative effectiveness of two surgical techniques, namely, surgical deroofing and carbon dioxide laser therapy, in managing symptomatic HS, particularly in patients with Hurley stage I-III disease. We conducted a systematic literature search on PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov. The clinical evidence suggests that surgical deroofing and carbon dioxide laser treatment are effective strategies for managing symptomatic HS. However, a comprehensive analysis of 1,120 patients indicates a higher recurrence rate with surgical deroofing. Further investigation into short-term and long-term follow-up data revealed comparable recurrence-free rates within 12 months post-procedure. Beyond 12 months, carbon dioxide laser treatment exhibited slightly higher recurrence-free rates, which necessitate more extensive studies for validation due to the limited sample size. In addition, surgical deroofing demonstrated quicker healing times, while carbon dioxide laser therapy showcased varying timelines, with primary closure after laser excision presenting a two-week healing time. Both procedures reported high patient satisfaction, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment decisions. Therefore, further research is essential to evaluate the efficacy of each treatment modality considering individual patient profiles and disease severity. It will benefit individuals affected by HS, leading to better health outcomes.

Strategies for CO2 Laser Use in Laryngeal Microsurgery: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to systematically review the literature addressing perioperative practices for optimal use of the CO2 laser in laryngeal transoral laser microsurgery (TOLMS), with a focus on safety. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review of publications indexed in Medline, Embase, and EBM reviews-Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials which evaluated perioperative strategies for the use of CO2 laser in laryngeal TOLMS was conducted. REVIEW METHODS: Records obtained from the search strategy were assessed for eligibility in a 2-step process by 2 independent researchers using the Covidence software. RESULTS: Among 2143 identified records, 103 were included in this study. The majority of studies (n = 25) focused on the use of the CO2 laser in oncologic resection, while 20 addressed the treatment of vocal cord paralysis, 16 discussed the treatment of pediatric or congenital pathologies, 11 detailed the management of benign lesions, and 31 studies tackled other surgical indications. Strategies for safe CO2 TOLMS were highly heterogeneous across studies and included preoperative measures (ie, related to the environment, staff preparation, patient protection, and ventilation), intraoperative precautions (ie, protection of nontarget structures, technical considerations, topical and systemic medications), and postoperative strategies (ie, related to airway protection, oral intake, vocal rest, hospitalization duration, drug regimen, and consultant follow-up). CONCLUSION: The results provided in this study can be used as a framework to guide the creation of laser safety protocols across institutions, guide quality improvement initiatives, the development of simulation training activities, and as a tool to facilitate resident teaching and skill assessment.

Carbon dioxide laser for precise and bloodless contouring of soft tissue ahead of skin grafting-A case example of technique and benefits.

Scarring is a dynamic development as a result of the wound healing process. Post-burn scars are often hypertrophic in nature and thus exhibit a much thicker and firmer scar, often leading to contractures. Various strategies have been implemented by burns surgeons to endeavour to mitigate and improve such symptoms and appearances. Laser therapy in the control of hypertrophic scarring is of continual developing interest within this field. We demonstrate the advantageous, intra-operative use of a carbon dioxide laser for precise contouring of a burn scar prior to skin grafting in a 36 year-old female with hypertrophic scarring following a 65% total body surface area flash flame burn. This method provided a bloodless surgical field with no post-operative complications, good graft take and a favourable cosmetic outcome.

Photodynamic therapy combined with carbon dioxide laser pretreatment for treatment of perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens: A case report.

Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens (PCAS) is a refractory and recrudescent chronic inflammatory dermatosis of the scalp, which seriously affects the appearance and quality of life of patients. The treatment of PCAS is challenging, often leading to frustrating outcome. In this paper, we report a case of PCAS who received 20 % 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) combined with carbon dioxide (CO2) laser pretreatment. The skin lesions of this case showed complete clearance after 2 month, and there was no recurrence after 1 year of follow-up. To our knowledge, we presented the first successful regimen of ALA-PDT combined with CO2 laser therapy for PCAS.

The efficacy, satisfaction, and safety of carbon dioxide (CO2) fractional laser in combination with pulsed dye laser (PDL) versus each one alone in the treatment of hypertrophic burn scars: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

The tendency to use less-invasive laser-based methods with far more obvious effectiveness has been taken into consideration today for improvement of burning scars. The present study thus aimed to assess the efficacy of two laser-based techniques including pulsed dye laser (PDL) and ablative fractional CO2 laser (AFCL) and its combination on improving different aspects of burning scars regardless of the types of scar as hypertrophic or keloid scars. This randomized single-blinded clinical trial was performed on patients suffering hypertrophic or keloid burning scars. The patients were randomly assigned into three groups scheduling for treatment with PDL alone, AFCL alone, or its combination. All patients were visited before and 40 days after the last treatment session, and their scars were assessed. In all groups, significant improvement was revealed in the Vancouver scar scale (VSS) score, the color of scar, vascular bed in the scar, the and height of scar and its pliability; however, the improvement in each item was more highlighted in the group receiving a combination therapy with PDL and AFCL techniques. In this regard, the highest improvement was found in vascular bed and pliability in the combination therapy group as compared to other groups. Although the superiority of the combined group was not statistically significant, due to the high percentage of improvement in total VSS and most of its indicators, it can be clinically significant. The efficacy of the treatment protocols was different considering subgroups of mature and immature scars (less than 1 year), so that more improvement in pliability of scar, vascularity, and color of scar was found in the group scheduling for PDL + AFCL as compared to those who were treated with PDL alone in immature scar group but not in mature scar group. Combined treatment can be much more effective in improving the appearance and pathological characteristics of scars than each individual treatment. This effectiveness can be seen mainly in immature scars.