Krespi YP; Ling EH. Tonsil cryptolysis using CO2 Swiftlase. Oper Tech Oto Head Neck Surg 1994;5(4):294-7.

Introduction: Recurrent infections of the palatine tonsils remain a common affliction in the general population, particularly in pediatric patients. Chronic tonsillitis is the most common indication for tonsillectomy, a procedure that numbered 74,000 cases in 1990. Inflammation, recurrent tonsillitis, halitosis, and dysgeusia are attributed to debris trapped within the tonsillar crypts. Whereas tonsillectomy removes the organ of these persistant problems, an alternative treatment, cryptolysis, ablates the surface crypts of the tonsil and reduces the foci of these inflammatory conditions.

Advances in laser technology have brought about new surgical applications in the treatment of tonsils, including use of CO2 and KTP-532 lasers tonsil removal. Studies comparing the traditional, cold dissection techniques with KTP-532 laser removal, noted advantages of decreased operative blood loss and reduced postoperative pain with the latter. However, the added expense of laser equipment and longer operative times are potential disadvantages. Recent improvements in the capabilities and ergonomics of laser oropharyngeal handpieces have made the application of CO2 lasers more practical in the treatment of tonsils. In our clinical series, we have found laser ablation of the superficial tonsillar crypts to be a fast, safe, and effective procedure.

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