Indication and results of endobronchial laser therapy

Endobronchial laser therapy will be carried out predominantly at obstructing bronchial carcinomas of the major airways. Concerning tumors distal of the bifurcation, corresponding pre-examinations (angiography, bronchography, fluoroscopy) should make it sufficiently probable that, after the recanalization of a bronchus, the patient will have a functional benefit. At non-completely obstructing tumors an occlusion of the bronchus may be prevented by an endobronchial laser resection. Only then is scarred stenosis suitable, if it concerns membranous changes; longer stenosis bring poor long-term results only. At a larger endobronchial bleeding the laser is not suitable for controlling the hemorrhage. The long-term results of the therapy for benign endobronchial lesions are good. The results of malignant changes depend basically on the localization and on the growth rate of the tumor. With a careful selection of patients very good immediate results may be obtained at nearly all endobronchial lesions.