CO2 Laser in Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis of Complications

A retrospective review was conducted of all patients undergoing CO2 laser surgery by members of the Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery at Northwestern University Medical School from January 1, 1980 through December 31, 1981; 204 cases were identified and all are included in this report. Early in our department's experience with laser surgery, an endotracheal tube fire occurred. This incident precipitated a departmental review of complications associated with the use of the CO2 laser and resulted in the formulation of a laser safety protocol. All patients in this group were treated under the directives of this protocol; the operative complication rate was low. This retrospective analysis of complications associated with the use of the CO2 laser under a strictly applied protocol demonstrates the relative safety associated with judicious use of this instrument.