In-office angiolytic laser effective for vocal polyps

(HealthDay)—In-office angiolytic laser procedures are effective for vocal fold polyps, though with occasional occurrence of minor adverse events, according to a study published online Jan. 18 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.

Yu-Hsuan Lin, M.D., from the National Cheng Kung University in Tainan, Taiwan, and colleagues examined the outcomes and incidence rates of adverse events associated with in-office angiolytic laser procedures with or without concurrent polypectomy in a retrospective cohort study. A total of 97 consecutive patients with vocal fold polyps who underwent in-office angiolytic laser treatments were enrolled; 29 patients had angiolytic laser procedures only and 68 received laser with concurrent polypectomy.

The researchers observed significant improvements for both treatment modalities. The need for multiple treatments was lower among patients receiving angiolytic laser with concurrent polypectomy versus those receiving laser treatment alone (1 versus 21 percent; effect size, −1.57; 95 percent confidence interval, −2.77 to −0.36). Eight adverse events were identified, including vocal fold edema, vocal hematoma, and vocal ulceration (five, two, and one events, respectively). Significantly fewer adverse events occurred among patients treated with laser plus concurrent polypectomy compared to those treated with angiolytic laser alone (3 versus 21 percent; effect size, 1.2; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.26 to 2.13).

"In-office angiolytic laser procedures can be an effective alternative treatment for vocal polyps, although with possible need for multiple treatment sessions and occasional occurrence of minor postoperative adverse events," the authors write.

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