CO2 Laser Surgery: FAQs
The following frequently asked questions and answers are typical of those that been have asked by patients and responded to by physicians during diagnostic and treatment consultations:
Q: Is laser potentially dangerous for the health?
A: No, this is just a tool which must be used with care
Q: Can the problem reoccur?
A: Tonsil: no for adults, rarely it can reoccur in children.
If this the case, same procedure or full tonsillectomy can be performed
Q: Is it painful after the procedure?
A: Tonsil: yes for usually minor for 3-4 days. Much less than with cold steel
Q: Do I need a full anesthesia?
A: Children: yes
A: Adults:
Yes if you are too gaggy or anxious
Yes if you want is fast and in one session
Q: Can I travel, go the restaurant, go back to work immediately after the procedure?
A: After 2-3 days after subtotal tonsil ablation
A: Yes if this is just a cryptolysis
Q: Why CO2 laser instead of other wavelengths?
A: Because what I see is what I get
A: Less thermal damages in the surrounding tissues
Q: How long is the procedure?
A: Around 30 min for tonsil ablation and snoring (anesthesia included)
Q: Can I drive immediately after?
A: Yes if the procedure is under local anesthesia
A: No if you need a full anesthesia or a IV injection for more relaxation. A relative should drive for you
Q: Why some others of your colleagues didn’t propose me a laser-assisted surgery?
A: Maybe they are not properly trained for this kind or surgery or they didn’t invest in the material
Q: Is there a risk of postoperative bleeding?
A: Rare but possible
A: Control usually by monopolar electrocautery