title: Laser bronchoscopic surgery.
abstract: Endoscopic laser bronchoscopy can be used to effectively palliate patients with compromised airways. The CO2 laser was utilized with a ventilating bronchoscope. This form of endoscopic surgery has the advantage of less postoperative edema, better hemostasis, more accurate tumor vaporization, and shortened operating time. Between 1975-79 33 laser bronchoscopies were carried out for airway obstruction. Palliation was achieved in most cases. Complications included intra-operative bleeding, tissue fragment occlusion of the airway, and an endotracheal fire. Laser bronchoscopy should be avoided in the presence of widespread metastatic disease, poorly differentiated or rapidly growing tumors, extrinsic tumor compression, or highly vascular tumors. A preliminary report is presented on the soft tissue effects of the argon laser, passed through a flexible coaxial cable in the canine trachea. Multiple transmural lesions were created. The use of the argon laser in the field of bronchoscopy remains controversial.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000601:surgery*; D001128:Argon; D001999:Bronchoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D001128:Argon