CO₂ Laser Surgery: Pros and Cons CO₂ Laser Surgery

Depending on the nature of the condition being treated, the physical condition of the patient, existing and or concurrent medical conditions, results can vary. You should always discuss these options with your doctor to help assure that your condition is treated properly and without or with greatly reduced risks.

Benefits

Patients with earaches who are treated with surgery in general find that they are relieved of them. Additionally, in certain situations hearing was significantly improved. The benefits from procedures done using CO₂ laser surgery include:

• Reduced need for anesthesia
• Outpatient procedures can be performed in a physician’s office
• Decreased recovery time
• Improved results
• Improved hearing
• Faster return to work or school

Risks

As with any surgery, there are risks involved with or without anesthesia. You or a child’s surgery will be performed safely and with care. You should discuss the benefits and risks completely with your doctor and make sure that he or she is aware of any pre-existing or concurrent medical conditions.

Some of the risks although rare can include:

• Failure to completely eliminate episodes of earaches caused by ear infections
• Diminished hearing resulting from adverse effects on any of the structures within the inner ear
• The need for blood transfusions during surgery. Discuss this possibility with your doctor
• Infection and/or dehydration requiring the need for intravenous fluids and prolonged pain and slow healing which could require a hospital stay If this becomes a problem, your doctor may recommend that you have this procedure by either traditional or through CO₂ laser surgery.