Laser lingual tonsillectomy.

Diseases of the lingual tonsils are generally overlooked in both clinical practice and medical literature. Infections of the lingual tonsils are usually treated medically, although in patients with symptomatic chronic inflammation or hyperplasia of the lingual tonsils, surgical intervention may be indicated. Eighty-two patients with benign inflammatory problems of the lingual tonsils, who were not improved by medical management, underwent laser lingual tonsillectomy at four different medical centers, between 1984 and 1987. The procedure was tolerated well by all of the patients, with no significant operative complications. Short- and long-term results were satisfactory. Laser surgery is an effective method for the treatment of benign hyperplastic and inflammatory diseases of the lingual tonsils.