CLIN. OTOLARYNGOL. ALLIED SCI. 14/4 (1989) 291-296

Laser surgery in lingual tonsil hyperplasia

Wouters B., Van Overbeek J.J.M., Buiter C.T., Hoeksema P.E.

Department of Oto-rhino-laryngology, University Hospital, 9700 RB Groningen, Netherlands

Abstract
Modern techniques have reduced the long existing reluctance to perform lingual tonsillectomy. The results of treatment of hyperplasia of the lingual tonsil with the carbon dioxide laser in 32 patients are presented. After exposure with a special endoscope the lingual tonsil can be vaporized or excised under microscopic control with promising results, far superior to the results obtained with other surgical techniques. Since the success rate of the surgery depends on the diagnostic criteria for applying this therapy, a careful selection of patients is essential.

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