Peri- and postoperative complications after laser surgery of tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract

Abstract 

Background

Because of the increasing use of laser surgery for tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract, there is also a discussion in peri- and postoperative complications of this kind of surgery. It was the aim of the present investigation, based on a great number of treated patients, to point out the complications of laser surgery and give a hint for possible dangers.

Patients and methods

Altogether, 1528 patients suffering from tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract were investigated. The peri- and postoperative complications were assumed in respect to localization and stage of tumor.

Results

The different evidence of complications depended on the localization and stage of tumor. It was pointed out that postoperative bleeding is the main complication after laser surgery of tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract. Overall, there were low complication rates especially after surgery of glottic carcinomas in early stages.

Conclusions

Peri- and postoperative complications after laser surgery of tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract are relatively seldom events. Because of the fact that postoperative bleeding is the most common complication, every clinic that performs laser surgery should have a clear concept of management for this complication. Also, strategies to avoid these complications should be developed.