Papillomatosis of the larynx:treatment with Co2 laser

We report our experience treating papillomatosis of the larynx using CO2 laser which has a lower risk of post surgical complications. Papillomatosis has a high incidence of recurrence after surgical treatment. We treated 42 patients (10 adults and 32 children) affected by multiple papillomatosis of the larynx. Smaller papillomas were vaporized with a 7-8 Watt CO2 laser and larger papillomas were resected at the base of their implantation. A strict follow-up during the first 3 years after surgical treatment was necessary to manage recurrences with CO2 laser endoscopy. CO2 laser endoscopy, although it did not prevent recurrences of papillomatosis in the larynx, is a valid surgical approach in the management of this pathology.