Laser ablation of granulation tissue at the tracheoesophageal puncture site

Background Tracheoesophageal fistula speech may be complicated by granulation tissue around the puncture site. Treatment includes antibiotics, antifungals, chemical or electrocautery, and surgical excision of the granulation tissue. Chemical cautery generally requires repeated treatment sessions. Methods We report our technique and results of CO2 laser ablation of granulation tissue at the tracheoesophageal puncture site performed as an outpatient office procedure. Results Seven of 9 patients (78%) were cured with a single treatment. The prosthesis was replaced immediately after laser ablation of granulation tissue. Of the remaining 2 patients, 1 had a recurrence a year later, requiring repeated laser. The second patient had a large mass requiring 4 laser ablations. There were no complications. Conclusions CO2 laser has the following advantages compared with other methods of treating stomal granulation tissue: office procedure; 78% cured with single treatment; and the extent of tissue necrosis is predictable. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 22: 714–716, 2000., 2000.