KTP Laser Therapy

The in-office, minimally invasive KTP Laser Therapy treatment option for vocal fold lesions is one of the most innovative treatment options available for laryngeal diseases here at the University Voice and Swallowing Center, part of UC Irvine Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. This technologically advanced lase offers treatment for numerous vocal cord lesions including papilloma and dysplasia without the need for general anesthesia or sedation. Only requiring the use of topical anesthesia, KTP Laser Therapy offers maximal results with minimal risk of damage to the surrounding tissue during a quick, safe, and effective in-office procedure.

Why KTP Laser Therapy at UC Irvine?

Our highly experienced director of the University Voice and Swallowing Center, Sunil P. Verma, M.D. is an expert in the use of the KTP laser for vocal cord lesions. The KTP laser is a "green-light" laser which is preferentially abosrbed by blood vessels. Extremely accurate and highly effective, the KTP laser treats the affected area with minimal risk to the surrounding tissue.

Innovative treatment options like the KTP laser have made treatment for various vocal fold lesions safe, more effective, and more convenient. Before the KTP laser, many patients underwent a surgical procedure such as laryngoscopy to treat vocal fold lesions. The use of general anesthesia in a open surgical procedure brought about inherent risks. The KTP laser requires only topical anesthesia in a convenient, in-office, minimally invasive procedure that takes much less time than surgical treatment does.

KTP Laser Therapy – The Procedure:

KTP Laser surgery is perfomed in the office, while awake without sedation or an I.V. The procedure starts with a nasal spray and inhalation of a topical numbing medicine. A small, thin camera is placed through the nose into the throat. The KTP laser fiber is placed through the small "scope" so that the laser is accurately directed at the diseased tissue.

Because the KTP laser has particular affinity for blood vessels, lesions that are vascular, such as papillomas can be targeted easily with the KTP laser. As the abnormal tissue is targeted and as the blood supply diminishes, the papilloma dies and sloughs off, leaving normal tissue behind in its place. Normal vocal fold tissue is left undamaged, so recovery following KTP laser therapy is quick.

Recovery Following KTP Laser Therapy Treatment:

One of the biggest advantages of KTP Laser Therapy is the fact that patients can receive treatment for their vocal fold lesion in-office, through a minimally invasive procedure that does NOT require general anesthesia or sedation. This means that patients can drive themselves home immediately after treatment and even return to work the same day.

If you are suffering from vocal cord lesions such as papilloma, dysplasia or carcincoma-in-situ, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sunil Verma.