The argon laser in otology.

The use of lasers in microsurgery is now an accepted procedure. As we learn more about the absorption properties of biologic tissue, we can use different electromagnetic wave lengths to accomplish surgical alteration of these tissues. The electromagnetic wave length of the Argon laser is compatible for surgical alteration of the soft tissue and bone of the middle and inner ear. Thirty patients requiring external ear canal or middle ear surgery were treated using the Argon laser during the course of the surgical procedure. The treatment of soft tissue pathology included tympanoplasty with fascia graft, control of bleeding, lysis of adhesions, and myringotomies performed using the Argon laser. Osseous disease of the external canal was removed and stapedectomy was performed, using the Argon laser on 15 patients. A review of the physics of laser energy and its application in otology is presented. The results of this investigative study demonstrate the advantages of the Argon laser in otologic microsurgery.