[Experiences with endoscopic recanalization using the Nd-YAG laser in tumor ileus and inoperable rectal cancer]

In the time period from January 1, 1987 until October 1, 1988, a total of 17 patients with an advanced colorectal tumor underwent transendoscopic laser treatment with the Nd-YAG laser. Eight patients had a tumor-dependent passage disorder with a large intestinal ileus as initial finding. Recanalisation and decompression of the intestine were successfully performed in 7 cases, so that placement of an anus praeternaturalis could be avoided. In another 8 patients the advanced rectal tumors were subjected to laser irradiation, 6 times because of subtotal stenosis and 3 times because of tumor bleeding. A locoregional radiatio (afterloading) was performed in each case.