This procedure involves using a CO2 laser to remove papillomas—wart-like growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV)—from the vocal folds. If they grow large or recur, papillomas can cause hoarseness, voice changes, and breathing issues. Laser excision allows for precise removal of these lesions while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.

Under general anesthesia, the surgeon uses a micro laryngoscope to access the vocal folds and a CO2 laser to vaporize or cut away the papillomas. This technique is less invasive and allows for quicker recovery with minimal bleeding. Patients are advised to rest their voice following surgery and may need repeated procedures if the papillomas return. Risks include temporary hoarseness, vocal cord scarring, or recurrence of the papillomas, which is common in some cases due to the viral nature of the disease.

Before: CO2 Laser Excision of Papilloma

After: CO2 Laser Excision of Papilloma