Transoral epiglottis resection or partial supraglottic resection was done with the CO2 laser in 20 highly selected patients. Visualization was best accomplished using the Lynch suspension system, but was satisfactory with the Jako-Pilling laryngoscope. The best indications for this procedure were: 1. for visualization of the true vocal cords in previously treated cancer patients whose epiglottis obstructed indirect mirror examination, 2. for removal of obstructing benign epiglottic lesions, 3. as an excisional biopsy in limited epiglottic cancer, especially of the suprahyoid epiglottis. No major complications or operative morbidity occurred. This approach obviated the potential morbidity of external surgical procedures In a select group of patients. Shortened hospitalization, avoidance of tracheotomy, minimal postoperative discomfort and edema, and excellent wound healing were additional advantages seen.

In no surgical arena is the cooperation and mutual understanding of the anesthesiologist and surgeon more important than in endolaryngeal surgery; here in the narrowest part of the airway, they compete for a share of the limited space available! The anesthesiologist must understand the requirements for optimal operating conditions but more importantly, the surgeon must understand the requirements for safe general anesthesia if unnecessary complications are to be avoided. Cardiac infarction, myocardial ischemia and arrhythmias, may occur during or after microsurgery of the larynx; they are most likely to be precipitated by pressure stimulation of the deep receptors of the larynx during suspension of the laryngoscope. The reflex pathway that produces the arrhythmia includes the superior laryngeal nerve and the cardio‐in‐hibitory fibers of the vagus. It appears that the complications are most often induced by the surgical manipulation and potentiated by abnormal blood gases. A small bore cuffed endotracheal tube appears to be an eminently satisfactory way of providing control of the airway and good operating conditions. The incidence of cardiac complications was studied in 540 patients and found to be 6.8 percent in the high risk group and 1.9 percent in the group without a preoperative history of cardiac disease. These figures are somewhat higher than those reported by Tarhan, et al., in their study of the incidence of myocardial infarction following surgery of various types under general anesthesia. To keep these complications to a minimum, constant vigilance must be maintained by the surgeon and anesthesiologist, especially on the cardiac monitor and airway. If arrhythmias appear, steps must be taken immediately to remove the cause, otherwise myocardial ischemia and infarction are very likely to follow.

A review of 150 consecutive head and neck cancer patients over a 22-month period revealed a multiple primary cancer rate of 19%, 9% in the head and neck region. Nine patients (6%) had simultaneous esophageal and head and neck cancers. Complete systematic esophagoscopic examinations, in addition to barium swallow radiographic studies, are recommended for all patients with head and neck cancers.

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.