Nd-YAG laser therapy for tracheobronchial disorders

The neodymium-yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd-YAG) laser has demonstrated its effectiveness in treatment of a number of benign and malignant tracheobronchial disorders. This laser has many advantages over past methods of endobronchial therapy, such as cryosurgery and electrocautery. It is a precise, no-touch method that produces little pain during therapy and little or no edema or infection afterward. Since the laser is a form of nonionizing radiation, therapy may be repeated as often as needed. Unlike the carbon dioxide laser, the Nd-YAG laser may be used with standard flexible endoscopes. Currently, the commonest indication for Nd-YAG laser therapy is obstruction of a large airway by an inoperable neoplasm. Whether this technique can be applied more widely in management of early lung cancer, possibly in combination with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or surgery, will be determined by further study.