Endoscopic applications of lasers in the bronchial tree.

Bronchial carcinoma causes some 30,000 deaths per year in the UK and only 10-20% of patients have any chance of surgical care. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are mainly palliative treatments, yet they have considerable toxicity. In recent years laser bronchoscopy, with its advantages of speed, safety and freedom from toxicity, has proved a valuable addition to the established palliative therapy.