Neodymium:YAG laser and brachytherapy in the management of inoperable bronchogenic carcinoma.
Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser therapy and endobronchial brachytherapy are useful modalities in the palliation of inoperable bronchogenic carcinoma. From 1983 to 1989, 218 patients underwent a total of 371 procedures involving endobronchial brachytherapy, Nd:YAG laser therapy, or both. Group 1 consisted of 130 patients who received Nd:YAG laser therapy. Group 2 consisted of 67 patients who had endobronchial brachytherapy only. Group 3 comprised 21 patients who underwent combined endobronchial brachytherapy and Nd:YAG laser therapy. All patients had received or were receiving concurrent radiotherapy. Three late deaths occurred in group 1, and 1 death occurred in group 2. More than 80% of patients achieved a good to excellent result. When applicable, we now use combined Nd:YAG laser therapy and endobronchial brachytherapy as part of the initial management of inoperable non-small cell bronchogenic carcinoma. A detailed analysis of these patients is given.
Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Woodruff Health Sciences Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
J I
JI
Miller
T W
TW
Phillips
D001918:Brachytherapy; D002283:Carcinoma, Bronchogenic / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007496:Iridium Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008028:Light Coagulation; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*
D007496:Iridium Radioisotopes