Bronchoscopic laser photodestruction of benign tumours in the trachea and large bronchi

Potentialities and results of laser bronchoscopic surgery of exophytic benign tumours of the trachea and bronchi are described. The material includes 37 patients (33 men and 4 women) aged 28-69 (mean age 51 years). Tumours were removed by the Nd-YAG laser. In six patients laser photodestruction was combined with electrosurgery. In 31 patients manipulations were done via bronchofiberscope under local anaesthesia and in six patients via a rigid bronchoscope under general anaesthesia. Complete removal of pathologic tissues was achieved in all patients. During 1-5 years of follow-up none of the patients developed recurrent tumours.