Efficacy of KTP Laser-Assisted Marsupialization in the Treatment of Vocal Cysts

Abstract

Objectives: Vocal cysts, common benign laryngeal lesions, often lead to voice disturbances. Total surgical enucleation presents challenges due to the delicate nature of vocal tissues. Conventional surgery carries risks of recurrence and decreased voice quality due to incomplete removal and potential vocal fold damage. This study investigates the efficacy of Potassium-Titanyl-Phosphate (KTP) laser-assisted marsupialization for the treatment of vocal cysts.

Subjects and methods: We retrospectively analyzed 78 patients who underwent either conventional surgery or KTP laser-assisted marsupialization to compare the voice outcomes and recurrence rates of the two groups.

Results: KTP laser-assisted group (B) demonstrated significantly higher recurrence rates (18.4%) compared to conventional surgery group (5%). The mean time to cyst recurrence were 12.4months in group A and 10.9months in group B. The degree of postoperative improvement in all voice parameters was not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions: While KTP laser-assisted marsupialization may offer some advantages such as reduced vocal fold damage and ease technique, the higher recurrence rates observed in this study suggest that this technique may not achieve cure rates comparable to conventional surgery. Therefore, careful consideration is necessary when selecting patients for this procedure, and further research is needed to refine the technique and evaluate its long-term efficacy.

Level of evidence: Level III.