Phonatory outcome of 585 nm/pulsed-dye laser in the management of glottic leukoplakia

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Vocal cord mucosectomy using pulsed-dye laser was assessed for its ability to completely remove lesions without deterioration of vocal quality in cases of vocal cord leukoplakia. To confirm the validity of a pulsed-dye laser, we retrospectively analyzed the treatment outcomes of patients who received surgery preceded by pulsed-dye laser and compared these with the outcomes of patients who received vocal cord mucosectomy using CO2 laser. METHODS: Between February 2007 and June 2012, 36 patients were enrolled. Seventeen patients received vocal cord treatment with a CO2 laser and 19 patients received operation with a pulsed-dye laser. To evaluate voice status, acoustic wave form analysis and electroglottography were done, and voice handicap index was measured before and after the operation. RESULTS: The entire lesion was removed in all patients. Compared to preoperative vocal parameters, the postoperative values for jitter were only improved in the pulsed-dye laser group. On stroboscopic findings, a diminution or lack of mucosal wave was observed in more CO2 laser cases than pulsed-dye laser cases. Significant improvement in voice handicap index results was only observed in the pulsed-dye laser group. CONCLUSION: Although long-term results with more patients are required to establish the validity of pulsed-dye laser, this study confirmed the merits of pulsed-dye laser for the en-bloc removal of vocal cord leukoplakia and improved voice outcome.