CO2 laser cordectomy as a day-case procedure

Objective: To evaluate the safety of CO2 laser cordectomy in the treatment of glottic carcinoma as a day-case procedure. Study design: This was a retrospective study of a cohort of 73 patients with glottic carcinoma treated by laser cordectomy as a day-case procedure using a CO2 laser, between January 2000 and June 2004. Results: There were no major complications and no patients required reintubation. More than 90 per cent of the patients were discharged on the day of the procedure: There were seven unplanned admissions to hospital but none of these appeared to be the direct result of the surgery, and the patients were discharged the next day. All the patients stated they would have further surgery in this manner if required. Conclusion: Laser cordectomy for glottic carcinoma can be safely performed as an out-patient procedure if patients are carefully selected according to specific criteria.