Principles and Practice of Lasers in Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery

The addition of lasers to the surgical armamentarium of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery has allowed our specialty to offer patients new and exciting ways of approaching disease management, to improve on conventional surgical techniques, and to expand its scope. While certain distinct advantages are associated with the use of lasers in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, these must be weighed up against the possible complications of laser surgery. Thirty-one years have passed since Jako and Strong first introduced the carbon dioxide laser, and its applications in the upper aerodigestive tract, to our specialty. Applications for this laser have been refined, and outcomes have improved in association with advances in laser technology and improvements in delivery systems. Today we have several laser systems to choose from, and our understanding of laser biophysics and laser tissue interactions determine which laser we wish to use for the many applications for which this technology has proven efficacious. The Principles and Practice of Lasers in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, edited by Drs. Oswal and Remacle, presents the reader with a comprehensive overview of the modern use of lasers in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. The organization of the book, with each section covering a different anatomical area and/ or laser application of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, enables the reader to find the desired area of study easily. In Section I, the authors cover the fundamentals of laser surgery, including its history, as well as how lasers work and interact with tissue. Equipment and instrumentation are appropriately reviewed, including specific discussions of air-way and endotracheal tube protection and safety, operating room protocols, and anesthesia considerations as they relate to laser surgery of the upper aerodigestive tract. Section II covers the use of lasers in the larynx, with specific reference to applications and indications for laser surgery. Included in this section of the book are chapters on the use of lasers for benign and malignant laryngeal pathology. Also included is a chapter devoted to the use of lasers for voice surgery. Section III is devoted to the use of lasers in nasal and sinus surgery. Dr Krespi, the section editor, is well known for his work in this area. In addition to the typical rhinological applications for lasers in our specialty, the authors cover miscellaneous applications and laser DCR. Otological laser surgery is the focus of Section IV. Its organization parallels the rest of the book; chapters are devoted to specific otological laser applications, with emphasis on appropriate laser wavelengths where indicated. Section V is devoted to orofacial surgery, and includes chapters on LAUP and laser tonsil surgery. Section VI covers laser surgery in the lower airway. The quality of the illustrations and photographs nicely complements the written text, and these allow the reader more easily to understand the operative approaches and intentions of the authors of these chapters. This new textbook on laser surgery in otolaryngology- head and neck surgery is a welcome addition to the literature of our specialty, and one that you will find to be both informative and helpful in your practice.