The use of the CO2 laser for airway maintenance in obstructive supraglottic carcinoma.

CO2 laser 'debulking' of obstructive supraglottic tumours is an alternative to tracheostomy to restore the compromised airway. Two patients have successfully undergone radiation therapy after laser vaporization of their large supraglottic tumours, and did not require tracheostomy. This technique is relatively simple, avoids the morbidity of tracheostomy and facilitates early irradiation.