Palliative laser treatment of malignant stenoses in the upper gastrointestinal tract

The present state of palliative laser therapy of inoperable malignant tumor stenoses in the upper gastrointestinal tract is reviewed. Indications, contraindications, several different sources of energy and forms of energy application, as also the various technical procedures, are discussed. Finally, the authors' experience with palliative laser therapy in 62 patients, and the results of an international inquiry covering data obtained in 1,359 patients, are presented.