Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2006 Feb;49(2):137-142.

The Effect of CO2 Laser Cauterization on Post-Operative Granulation Tissues

• Kim MG
• Park SK

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Newly formed granulation tissues after tympanomastoidectomy can be a cause of persistent or recurrent otorrhea. In some cases when granulation tissues formed after an ear surgery do not respond easily to medical treatment, CO2 laser cauterization can be applied to them with satisfactory results. The purpose of this report is to describe the effects of CO2 laser therapy on post-operative granulation tissues.
SUBJECTS AND METHOD
We retrospectively reviewed 31 patients who have undergone a CO2 laser cauterization treatment on granulation tissues newly formed after ear surgery between January 1995 and December 2003. The duration of follow up ranged from one month to 10 years and four months. The procedure was performed in the OPD under local anesthesia with a CO2 laser connected to a microscope. Information on age, sex, type of previous operation, results of bacterial culture, numbers of laser procedure, and outcomes of treatment was collected.
RESULTS
All 31 patients (100%) were cured completely. The granulation tissues in the ear drum and the external auditory canal responded in a especially short time.
CONCLUSION
The results show that cauterization by a CO2 laser on newly formed granulation tissues after tympanomastoidectomy is a simple and effective procedure.

Keyword

Granulation tissue; Lasers; Cautery

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia, Local
Cautery*
Ear
Ear Canal
Follow-Up Studies
Granulation Tissue*
Humans
Lasers, Gas*
Retrospective Studies