Abstract: PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and advantages of using carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser in treatment of oral mucosal lesions. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted for 73 patients with oral mucosal lesions who received CO₂ laser treatment during June 2012 to December 2013, including 25 cases of vascular malformations, 22 cases of oral leukoplakia, 18 cases of oral mucosal lichen planus, and 8 cases of oral mucosal and labial mucosal verrucous nevus. The lesions ranged from 0.8 cm×0.8 cm to 4 cm×3 cm. Twenty cases of oral mucosal lesions using scalpel assisted with electric knife were as control. The operation time and bleeding of all patients were recorded. The operation time and bleeding in 2 groups were compared. Statistical analysis was performed by Student's t test using SPSS19.0 software package. RESULTS: The operation time of CO₂ laser group was from 3 to 10 min, with an average of 5.5 min; the average amount of intraoperative bleeding was 5 mL; none of the 73 patients had postoperative infections; and all wounds heal well after surgery. The patients were followed up for 1 year. Two cases of oral leukoplakia showed recurrence after surgery, and a reoperation achieved satisfactory treatment effect. The operation time of the control group was 4 to 15 min, with an average of 9.5 min, and the average amount of intraoperative bleeding was 10 mL. None of the 20 patients had postoperative infections, and the wounds also healed well after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The application of CO₂ laser in treatment of oral mucosal lesions has the advantages of less bleeding, a clear surgical view during surgery, and a shorter operation time.

Key words: Carbon dioxide laser, Oral mucosal lesions, Surgery