Laser Application in Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery

Since the discovery of the laser in 1959, a wide variety of lasers have been developed with numerous clinical applications in medicine and surgery. Lasers have had a great impact on the surgical approach to both benign and malignant diseases in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and have enabled the otolaryngologist to manage diseases in the aerodigestive system primarily through an endoscopic approach. We will summarize the physical properties of the currently used lasers in otolaryngology, as well as their clinical applications.