[Endoscopic laser interventions in lung cancer]

Endoscopic laser operations were conducted in 156 patients with various tumors of the trachea and bronchi. The indications for laser operations were neoplastic stenosis of the respiratory tract, bleeding from the tumor, and recurrent carcinoma in a bronchial stump after previous operations. Neodymium laser with a monofiber quartz light guide was the source of laser radiation. Laser photodestruction was performed through a fiberoptic bronchoscope in 34 patients and by a Fridel respiratory bronchoscope in 122 patients. Some new methods are suggested which make laser photodestruction of endobronchial tumors easier. The lumen of the respiratory tract was restored and bleeding arrested in 71 patients, partial recanalization occurred in 52 patients, and no therapeutic effect was achieved in 32 patients. Complications in the form of perforation of the respiratory tract, bleeding, and laryngospasm were encountered in 7 (4.5%) patients. Laser therapy in lung carcinoma creates favorable conditions for chemotherapy and radiotherapy.