BACKGROUND Verrucous carcinoma occurs infrequently in the vocal folds. This tumour has an excellent prognosis with proper treatment. Management strategies include surgery, radiotherapy or both. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the long-term results of type I and II laser cordectomy for the treatment of verrucous carcinoma of the vocal folds. METHODS We reviewed the files of 18 patients with verrucous carcinoma of the vocal folds treated by type I or II laser cordectomy in our department from 1989 to 2006, and recorded clinical and outcome data. RESULTS None of the patients had any major post-operative complications. All had a subjectively satisfactory quality of voice, with no morbidity. Patient follow up ranged from three to 228 months (mean, 48 months). Five patients were treated with post-operative radiotherapy for persistent disease, of whom four underwent repeated surgery due to recurrence. CONCLUSIONS Type I or II laser cordectomy is a safe, feasible, secure method of treating verrucous carcinoma of the vocal folds. There were no major complications in our patient series. Most recurrent disease was manageable locally with repeated surgery.