Anesthesia and analgesia
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Laser surgery offers several advantages to the surgeon and patient: microscopic precision, a bloodless operative field, and complete sterility. While the majority of procedures pose few problems beyond protection of the eyes of operating room personnel and patients, microlaryngeal surgery with the CO2 laser requires very careful anesthetic management. A preoperative visit to determine the degree of existing airway obstruction is mandatory in deciding the safest anesthetic technique. ⋯ We have reviewed selected aspects of the management of the patient undergoing laser surgery, outlined the principles of laser technology, and listed the many surgical procedures employing lasers. Also, recommendations on anesthetic management of microlaryngeal surgery with the CO2 laser with emphasis on currently available measures to prevent problems were reviewed in light of our own experience with this technique along with a summary of the literature on laser surgery. An understanding of the fundamental principles and applications of lasers will hopefully lead to safer patient care.