Who might benefit Limitations Transoral laser microsurgery uses special equipment to remove tumors in the larynx and pharynx through the mouth. Transoral laser microsurgery has many advantages over conventional, open-neck surgery. Normal tissue doesn't have to be disturbed to reach the cancer, as is the case with the standard, open-neck surgery. Patients usually spend only a day in the hospital, versus five days or more with conventional surgery. Patients recover swallowing and speech functions more rapidly and predictably.
Few patients require a tracheostomy, an artifical opening in the neck for breathing.
Conventional surgery and radiation treatments are still options at a later time. Microsurgery can be converted to the standard, open-neck procedure during the operation if necessary. Transoral laser microsurgery uses special instruments to view the larynx and pharynx called endoscopes. The surgeon directs the CO 2 laser with the help of a micromanipulator fixed to a surgical microscope. Looking through the microscope, the surgeon follows the tumor and divides it into manageable pieces that can be removed through the endoscope.