Management of airway problems in lung cancer patients using the neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd-YAG) laser and endobronchial radiotherapy.
This study summarizes our experience in the evolution of a management technique for unresectable or recurrent lung cancer using the neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd-YAG) laser with high-dose endobronchial brachytherapy. The laser gave good palliation for hemoptysis and obstruction with a low complication rate, and the addition of endobronchial radiotherapy was a useful adjunct for maintaining airway patency. High-dose brachytherapy delivered by the Gammamed IIi remote afterloader proved to be the best method of delivering this treatment.
Lang
N
N
Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock.
Maners
A
A
Broadwater
J
J
Shewmake
K
K
Chu
D
D
Westbrook
K
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000379:methods; D001984:Bronchial Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy; D005260:Female; D006469:Hemoptysis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy