title: Endoscopic neodymium-YAG laser palliation of nonresectable esophageal malignancy.
abstract: Seven men and five women with nonresectable esophageal carcinoma were treated endoscopically with the neodymium-YAG (yttrium-aluminum-garnet) infrared laser. Before laser fulguration, tumors were dilated directly with metal olive dilators. Before treatment, mean tumor length was 5 cm with luminal occlusion averaging more than 80%. After a mean of 3.3 treatment sessions spanning 18.5 days, all patients had substantial immediate palliation. Continued symptomatic relief was noted during follow-up (mean, 83 days; range, 8 to 206 days).
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Cello
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Gerstenberger
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Melnick
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Meiselman
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000601:surgery; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D004106:Dilatation; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D005260:Female; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*