Nd:YAG laser as a therapeutic option in the management of gastrointestinal cancer.
We report the use of ELT utilizing an Nd:YAG laser in a group of patients with cancer who represented a significant surgical risk. Effective palliation was achieved, with minimal morbidity, and the quality of life of most of our patients was preserved or enhanced, at a minimal physiologic cost. In carefully selected patients, ELT has proved to be a safe and highly effective procedure for the management of gastrointestinal cancers. It should be considered a valuable addition to the treatment armamentarium of the practicing clinician dealing with patients with advanced cancers or patients with significant medical conditions precluding surgical resection.
Garcia
C
C
Medical Center of Delaware, Wilmington.
Collins
T
T
Ide
S
S
Herrera
L
L
Dosluoglu
H H
HH
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D005260:Female; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care