Endoscopic treatment of tracheobronchial malignancy. Experience with Nd-YAG and CO2 lasers in 506 operations.

Laser technology and the endoscope have been combined for the palliation of obstructive tracheobronchial malignant lesions. The neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd-YAG) laser was used to treat 249 patients (447 operations), and the CO2 laser was used on 34 patients (59 operations). Hemorrhage, the major complication in both groups of patients, was more easily controlled with the Nd-YAG laser. One patient in the CO2 laser group died, and one patient in the group being treated with Nd-YAG laser bronchoscopy died. The Nd-YAG laser can be applied more efficiently through a fiber system, with better optic control and secure hemostasis. The commonest indications for treatment were dyspnea, obstructive pneumonia, and hemoptysis. Extrinsic compression was the most frequent reason for failure. The Nd-YAG laser, most often applied through open rigid bronchoscopes under general anesthesia, has become our treatment of choice for the palliation of tracheobronchial malignancy.