title: Laser bronchoscopy.
abstract: Laser bronchoscopy allows reestablishment of patent airways in patients with exophytic intraluminal tracheobronchial obstruction from malignancy. Patients with benign strictures can also be treated, thereby avoiding open surgical repair in selected instances. Because of laser-tissue interactions, and because patients often have terminal illness or severe underlying medical problems, these are potentially high-risk procedures. Proper resection techniques, experience, and repetitive performance are necessary to ensure satisfactory patient safety and outcome.
authors.affiliation: Laser Unit, University of California San Diego, USA.
authors.forename: H G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Colt
mesh_terms: D000758:Anesthesia; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D000075202:Contraindications; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D012142:Respiratory Tract Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*