A Double-Anonymised Histopathological Comparative Study of CO₂ Laser and Coblation in Head and Neck Surgery

CO₂ Laser and Coblation are widely used in Head and neck Surgeries. This study compares the tissue changes produced by these two techniques. 50 Patients who underwent complete excision of benign and malignant pathologies in the Oral Cavity, Oropharynx, and Larynx with Coblation and CO₂ Laser were included in the study. The primary excised specimen and another separate specimen from the base of the excised lesion were evaluated histologically based on criteria by Vescovi et al. (1). On histopathological examination, thermal effects (epithelial, connective tissue and vascular) produced by both techniques were comparable. However vascular changes were seen more in tissues CO₂ Laser (P = 0.727). Incision margins were more regular in the CO₂ Laser group (73%) than in Coblation (55%) but not statistically significant (P = 1.80). Depth of thermal damage (P = 0.171) and connective tissue changes(P = 0.279) was more with Coblation. Both Coblation and CO₂ Laser can be used effectively in Head and Neck cases. CO₂ Laser, when available, is a better option because of its precise excision, and less collateral tissue damage.