[Ambulatory laryngeal microsurgery].

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to determine if laryngeal microsurgery (LMS) under general anesthesia is a safe and convenient procedure when carried out on an outpatient basis in selected patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy-eight adult patients (60 men and 18 women) were scheduled for outpatient LMS under general anesthesia between February 1995 and December 1996.

RESULTS

Their age range was 19 to 77 years (mean 48 years). Forty-four (56.4%) were ASA I, 32 (41%) ASA II, and 2 (2.6%) ASA III. Laryngeal biopsy was performed in 40 cases (51.3%), polypectomy in 30 cases (38.5%), excision of Reinke's edema in 5 cases (6.4%), and cyst excision in 3 cases (3.8%). The mean stay in the Day Hospital was 7 hours (range 2.5-10 h). Seven patients (9%) had immediate postoperative complications. Three patients were admitted overnight. No patient had to be readmitted to the hospital after discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Outpatient laryngeal microsurgery is an appropriate and safe alternative to inpatient surgery in carefully selected patients, who are kept under strict observation in the immediate postoperative period.