Treatment of malignant disease in trachea and main-stem bronchi by carbon dioxide laser

The use of the carbon dioxide laser to remove intraluminal malignant lesions of the trachea and main-stem bronchi is described. Forty-three patients, 30 men and 13 women from 23 to 79 years of age, have received from one to three laser treatments to provide an improved airway with relief of major respiratory tract obstruction. There has been one intraoperative death and there have been three immediate postoperative deaths. Improvement in respiratory status has been accomplished in all surviving patients and has persisted for from 1 to 36 months. The carbon dioxide laser treatment does not cure cancer but does provide an improved airway with low risk so that other treatment can be used. A major advantage of this form of treatment is decreased bleeding and the ability to provide an improved airway. The disadvantages are the necessity for general anesthesia and expense of the equipment.