Patient tolerance of in-office pulsed dye laser treatments to the upper aerodigestive tract

Catherine J. Rees, Stacey L. Halum, Rohan C. Wijewickrama, Jamie A. Koufman, Gregory N. Postma

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

79 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Recent advances in technology have facilitated a movement toward unsedated in-office treatment of laryngeal, tracheal, and esophageal lesions. The objective of this study was to determine patient tolerance of inoffice pulsed-dye laser (PDL) treatment of upper aerodigestive tract pathoses via the transnasal esophagoscope. Methods: Three hundred twenty-eight unsedated in-office PDL cases were performed at a university-based tertiary referral center in 131 patients. These procedures were performed for various upper aerodigestive pathoses, including recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, chronic granulomas, and recurrent leukoplakia. Eighty-nine subjects completed a phone survey concerning their discomfort level after the PDL procedure. They were also asked specific questions about recovery time, pain medication, and preference of operating room versus inoffice procedures. Results: The average comfort score was 7.4 (10 being minimal discomfort). Eighty-four percent did not use any pain medication; 87% stated that, if possible, they would prefer to undergo unsedated inoffice procedures rather than surgeries under general anesthesia for further treatment of their upper aerodigestive tract pathosis. Conclusions: Unsedated transnasal treatment of upper aerodigestive tract pathoses is readily accepted and well-tolerated by otolaryngology patients. Patients overwhelmingly prefer the inoffice PDL over surgeries under general anesthesia. EBM rating: C-4.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1023-1027
Number of pages5
JournalOtolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Volume134
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2006

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Otorhinolaryngology

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