Laser Procedures
Lasers allow precise treatment of the vocal folds, either awake in the clinic through a flexible endoscope, or in theatre through the microscope. The choice of setting and laser depends on the lesion.
In the clinic
In-office laser, performed under topical anaesthesia, suits selected lesions such as recurrent respiratory papilloma, some vascular lesions and some areas of leukoplakia. It avoids general anaesthesia and is often repeated at intervals when a condition tends to recur.
In theatre
Transoral laser microsurgery is performed under general anaesthesia through a laryngoscope and microscope. It is used for lesions that need wider exposure or a tissue sample, and it is a standard approach for precancerous lesions and early glottic cancer.
Recovery and results
Recovery after in-office laser is usually quick, with voice guidance for a few days. After theatre laser surgery, a period of voice rest and then therapy is common. The voice outcome depends on how much tissue must be treated, which is why precision matters.
Medically reviewed by
Associate Professor Necati Enver, MD
Laryngologist · Founder and Director, Istanbul Voice Center · Reviewed September 2026
General information only. It does not replace an individual assessment. Medical disclaimer
Frequently asked questions
Can laser treatment be done without general anaesthesia?
For selected lesions, yes. In-office laser is performed through a flexible endoscope under topical anaesthesia. Other lesions need laser surgery in theatre.
Is laser used for laryngeal cancer?
Yes. Transoral laser microsurgery is a standard treatment for precancerous lesions and early glottic cancer, performed through the mouth under general anaesthesia.
Will laser damage my voice?
Every procedure on the vocal folds carries some risk to the voice. The aim is to treat the lesion with the least disturbance of the vibrating layer, and we discuss the expected voice outcome before any procedure.
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