Transbronchial laser ablation of benign and malignant tumors.
An overview is given over different methods for thermal ablation in central airways. The most widely used method, endoscopic laser photocoagulation (Nd:YAG laser) is described in some detail. Other methods are electrocautery, argon plasma coagulation, photodynamic treatment and cryotherapy. Thermal ablation is usually a palliative treatment, but is sometimes performed with a curative intent. Such treatment should be performed in specialized centres for interventional bronchoscopy, with a broad range of methods available.
Hansen
Gunnar
G
Department of Thoracic Medicine, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway. gunnar.hansen@rikshospitalet.no
Sundset
Arve
A