[Nd-YAG laser therapy in the field of pulmonary surgery]

Since 1980, we have treated 71 patients with malignant tumors and benign lesions by the Nd-YAG laser. The flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope with the local anesthesia was used for the treatments. Fifty-four cases were malignant tumors and 17 were benign lesions involving trachea and/or hilar bronchus. In malignant tumors, 41 cases were lung cancers, 24 of which were squamous cell carcinomas. Of 17 cases of benign lesions, 10 (58.5%) were introgenic stenoses. Palliative treatments were done for 36 cases of lung cancers, of which 23 died within 1 year after treatments. Four of 5 cases, which survived beyond 2 years, were adenoid cystic carcinomas. In 17 benign cases, 13 (76.5%) showed distinct improvements of symptoms and findings after treatments. Three patients died of massive bleedings. In these cases, severe stenoses were observed, which required treatments repeatedly. With the proper knowledge of the indications, limitations and complications, of YAG laser therapy it can be a beneficial mean for the management of benign lesions and malignant tumors in trachea and hilar bronchus.