Experienced Office-Based KTP? Please share your expereince!

[Jim]

Have you expereinced office-based KTP laser treatment??? If so, please share your expereince(s). I know there are many who would appreciate the insight. Thanks!

[Helene]

Hello. I have experienced office-based KTP several times. I have been a patient at the Voice Center for over four years and KTP has been used in the treatment of my papillomatosis. Thankfully, because of this treatment, I've avoided the operating room several times. My last examination by my doctor, Dr. Burns, showed no new papillomatosis and for that I am very, very grateful!

My experience with office-based KTP treatment has been overall a positive one. I will not pretend that it has been a pleasant experience and without discomfort, but the end result far outweighs the discomfort. Prior to the treatment, medication is used to lessen any pain. The medication does a good job in reducing any pain, however there is no getting around the fact that the insertion of the scope and the taste of the medication is unpleasant. After the preliminaries, the laser experience has been quick and for the most part, for me, more than tolerable. Sometimes after the treatment I have experienced a sore throat and raspy voice for a short period of time but no other side effects of any kind.

From the perspective of patient, and for me personally, the treatments are a time for good communication between you and your doctor, before, durning and after the procedure. I've asked Dr. Burns, to walked me through everything that is happening during the procedure, which he has done, and this has been a very important part of my treatments in helping me to relax, and to feel as an active participant in my health-care. I think too, that because this disease can be so unpredictable, any amount of control, in any capacity, is enpowering.

Thank you for the opportunity to share and I welcome any questions or comments from the community.

Helene

[Debbie]

I experienced my first office visit KTP treatment in December 2009. I was extremely nervous but Sony and Dr. Burns assured me that I would be alright. After ten years with the disease and ten surgeries under my belt, I welcomed a new approach. As I braced myself for the awful tasting medicine and the unpleasant scope, Sony held my hand and added much needed reassurance. The procedure took about fifteen minutes during which I felt a prickly sensation and smelled burning. I ended up almost passing out but the office staff was ready to elevate my feet and provide cold towels. After five minutes I was ready to leave, I absentmindedly took a drink from the water cooler in the waiting room and almost drown. This experience was harrowing but it was my fear of the unknown that made it that way because my next KTP treatment, August 2010, was nothing like the first. I joked with Dr. Burns about the first time and faced the ten minute procedure without hesitation. I did not feel as though I was going to pass out and I heeded the advice about not drinking water or eating for an hour after the procedure. I truly find the office treatments to be more favorable to the OR not only because you are never out of commission but the office treatments provide you with the opportunity to speak candidly with the doctor both before and after the procedure.

My voice has never been as strong as it is now and for that I am eternally grateful to Dr. Burns and Dr. Zeitels. The KTP office treatment and the outstanding staff that make it all possible are an enormous comfort and a huge reason why I drive eight hours for treatment.

[Helene]

I have an upcoming appointment at the Voice Center. I have RRP and have had several KTP treatments. As previously stated in my last post, they are not pleasant but preferable to the Operating Room. My biggest problem at this time, however, is not the KTP procedure in the office. Unfortunately, I have "some" papillomatosis if my trachea. The exam is a difficult because the scope passes through my airway. Dr. Burns is great and works as quickly and effectively as possible, checking this area but it is nonetheless very difficult for me to go through. My fingers are crossed that there will be no new disease when I arrive for my appointment in March.

[Debbie]

Helene
I hope all goes well with your visit or that all has gone well. Have you always had the paps there or did they move from your cords to that location?