title: Retrospective review of laser therapy for palliation of colorectal tumours.
abstract: Patients with inoperable colorectal tumours will often require symptomatic relief due to the nature of extensive disease spread or existing co-morbidities. The use of laser treatment for palliation of tumours in the lower gastrointestinal tract has become an attractive treatment option for such patients. This paper presents the results of a retrospective review of 58 case notes in order to determine the effectiveness of laser therapy in palliating symptoms of colorectal tumours. In addition, the paper aims to identify which colorectal symptoms laser is best used to palliate. The study was conducted in a regional coloproctology unit at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. The main findings show that 52% (n=30) of patients had successful (complete/good) resolution of symptoms, 36% (n=21) had a poor response and 12% (n=7) had no resolution of symptoms from laser therapy. Of all documented symptoms, this study found that laser is most effective at palliating obstructive symptoms. It also has beneficial application in the palliation of bleeding and mucous discharge. It is less effective for the anal symptoms of tenesmus and pain and for stool related symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation, frequency and incontinence.
authors.affiliation: Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK. linda.sherwood@luht.scot.nhs.uk
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Sherwood
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Knowles
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Potter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002423:Cause of Death; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D003248:Constipation / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D018579:Patient Selection; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome