Usefulness of KTP Laser in Otology

Abstract

We report the clinical experience of middle ear surgery by the use of the KTP laser at the department of otolaryngology, Kobe City General Hospital. This laser gives new and broader applications to middle ear surgery which needs delicate operative manipulation (1. stapedotomy; 2. removal of affected tissues involving the ossicles, especially the stapes; 3. complete removal of cholesteatoma; 4. removal of affected tissues in the middle ear cavity; 5.tumor vaporization). No side effects were observed in 28 ears operated with this laser. The characteristics of this laser suitable for middle ear sugery are as follows. 1. This laser is excellently absorbed by damaged middle ear tissue with rich hemoglobin. 2. The aiming beam and the surgical beam are the same, providing superior target accuracy. 3. The small hand piece with the fine optical fiber makes easier delicate operative manipulation under the operative microscope. 4. The operator does not need to wear the special glasses, because his eyes are protected through the microscope with an automatic eye safety filter during operation.