Palliation of malignant dysphagia using the Nd:YAG laser

A group of 141 patients with biopsy-proved malignant dysphagia, treated with neodymium YAG laser between April 1985 and November 1988, have been prospectively evaluated. Patients treated since November 1988 have not been included to allow minimum follow-up of 18 months. The success of treatment has been assessed in terms of survival, relief of dysphagia, complications, and length of inpatient stay. One- and two-year survival rates were 12.6% and 3.5%, respectively (mean survival 24.7 weeks). Ninety-two percent of patients were returned to a semisolid diet or better. In 4% recanalization was impossible, and 4% swallowed only liquids despite an adequate channel. Tumor histology, site of tumor, and length of previous treatment had no significant influence on outcome. The presence of metastases significantly influenced survival (p = 0.007). The principal complications were perforation (6.4%) and tracheoesophageal fistula (2.8%). Laser recanalization provides effective palliation for malignant dysphagia.