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Laser therapy for endobronchial tumours
S C Chakraverty1, P R Rafferty
1Knightswood Hospital, Glasgow.
Scottish Medical Journal
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Endobronchial laser therapy effectively treated airway obstruction and bleeding in 62 patients. While generally safe, two patients experienced fatal hemorrhage, highlighting a risk associated with this palliative treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Oncology
- Interventional Bronchoscopy
Background:
- Endobronchial laser therapy has been utilized since 1983 for managing malignant airway conditions.
- Patients often present with advanced disease, having undergone prior treatments like radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endobronchial laser therapy for various respiratory conditions.
- To assess outcomes in patients with tracheo-carinal stridor, bronchial obstruction, and haemoptysis.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 149 endobronchial laser treatments performed on 62 patients between 1983 and 1990.
- Analysis of indications, lesion types, prior therapies, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- The primary indications were bronchial obstruction (60%), tracheo-carinal stridor (24%), and haemoptysis (13%).
- Squamous carcinoma was the predominant histology (80%).
- Significant symptom relief was observed: 67% for stridor, 72% for obstruction-related dyspnoea, and near-complete control of haemoptysis.
- Two patients (3.2%) experienced fatal hemorrhage during treatment.
Conclusions:
- Endobronchial laser therapy offers significant symptomatic benefit for malignant airway obstruction and haemoptysis.
- The procedure carries a low but serious risk of fatal hemorrhage, necessitating careful patient selection and management.