Neodymium:YAG laser and brachytherapy in the management of inoperable bronchogenic carcinoma.

Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser therapy and endobronchial brachytherapy are useful modalities in the palliation of inoperable bronchogenic carcinoma. From 1983 to 1989, 218 patients underwent a total of 371 procedures involving endobronchial brachytherapy, Nd:YAG laser therapy, or both. Group 1 consisted of 130 patients who received Nd:YAG laser therapy. Group 2 consisted of 67 patients who had endobronchial brachytherapy only. Group 3 comprised 21 patients who underwent combined endobronchial brachytherapy and Nd:YAG laser therapy. All patients had received or were receiving concurrent radiotherapy. Three late deaths occurred in group 1, and 1 death occurred in group 2. More than 80% of patients achieved a good to excellent result. When applicable, we now use combined Nd:YAG laser therapy and endobronchial brachytherapy as part of the initial management of inoperable non-small cell bronchogenic carcinoma. A detailed analysis of these patients is given.