Argon laser and soft tissue interaction.

The interaction of the argon laser with the mucous membrane of the upper aerodigestive tract was studied. The advantages of the argon laser are a small spot that can be varied in size and intensity, selective vascular absorption, the capability of being incorporated into a flexible delivery system, and a coincident aiming beam. The acute soft tissue effects are characterized by subepithelial extension, with a variable delayed reaction between the application of the laser and a detectable break in the epithelium. Postoperative edema persisted, with an increase in the lateral spread of the lesion over 3 days and an acute inflammatory reaction extending over 7 days. By 21 days the lesions were reepithelialized and healed, but their width was 30% greater than the original defect. The unpredictable interaction with soft tissue, the postoperative edema, and the quality of wound healing are disadvantages. The argon laser appears to have limited clinical potential as a surgical tool for the air and food passages.