Role of CO2 laser in the management of obstructive ectopic lingual thyroids

Ectopic lingual thyroid glands may occasionally undergo massive hypertrophy and be a source of airway obstruction. Securing the airway prior to surgery in such cases may be difficult. In the present paper, we report on two cases of obstructive ectopic lingual thyroids which were successfully managed endoscopically using CO(2) laser. The use of CO(2) laser for removal of ectopic lingual thyroid tissue offers advantages over traditional surgical techniques. In our opinion, removal of an appropriate amount of gland to secure an adequate airway is all that is required in most cases.