Manipal Hospital has introduced advanced endoscopic laser technology for ENT surgery to treat problems of the voice box (larynx) and mouth (oropharynx). It is for the first time in India that a hospital will use advanced diode laser system evolve in the surgical field of ENT.
A live demonstration of the new path breaking technique will be conducted at Manipal Hospital by Dr. Surendra Narne, an internationally renowned ENT surgeon and head of endoscopic airway surgery, Padua University, Italy on April 2004. The demonstration will create awareness about the latest treatment modalities for ENT related problems and provide an update to ENT specialists on the various uses of endoscopes.
Apart from larynx and oropharynx, the instrument can be used for other minimally invasive procedures with dedicated solutions in nasal surgery, treatment of tumour, paediatric surgery, vascular lesions, micro endoscopy, dacryocystorhinostomy and otology. Procedures involving laser technology are very cost effective and can be done as a 'day care' procedure since it has many positive aspects.
Laser combines excellent cutting, ablation and coagulation properties for precise, virtually bloodless procedures. Compared to the conventional surgical methods, laser surgery is less invasive, has lower risk, minimal post-operative discomfort with shorter recovery, said Dr. S.K. Mondal, consultant, ENT Surgeon at Manipal Hospital.
The novel laser technology is a precise and simple procedure done endoscopically with no cuts on the body, either inside or outside. Blood loss and post operative pain is minimal as laser technology coagulates the blood vessels and destroys bad issue. It also cuts down the operative time as surgeons can visualize of the operative field better, he said.
Larynx is one of the most delicate organs in the human body where even 1mm extra damage to the tissue can cause significant damage to voice and breathing. The laser beam generates enough heat and energy to cut through a tissue accurately", informed Dr. Mondal. The oropharynx and larynx surgeries can be treated effectively using endoscopic laser technology as it preserves voice structures and enhances the patient's quality of life.
In some conditions like juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis (benign growth in voice box) where repeated surgery may be required, laser is the best option for treatment, as it does not damage normal tissue. It is also a proven fact that laser reduces recurrence compared to conventional methods.