[The carbon dioxide laser in tracheobronchial diseases in children. A prospective study of 11 cases].

Carbon dioxide laser has been used in bronchology for over 15 years, primarily in adults and older children. With the recent development of appropriate bronchoscopes, one has now been able to extend its application to infants and small children. 11 patients, aged 10 months through 7 years, were treated by this technic at the ENT Service of the Hôpital Trousseau (Paris). Indications for broncholaser management at this age and the particularities thereof are specified, as well as the results obtained and the complications linked with its use. This new therapeutic tool appears to be reliable and effective in a certain number of cases, representative of which are circumscribed bronchostenoses, granulomas resulting from trauma or associated with tuberculosis, and benign tumors.