[Lasers and endoprosthesis in bronchopneumology].

During the past decade lasers, especially the Neodymium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Nd: YAG), have transformed interventional bronchoscopy. Recent improvements of tracheobronchial prostheses have further increased the therapeutic possibilities of endoscopy. Tracheobronchial obstruction by intraluminal tumeur, stenosis, or extrinsic compression can now be palliated successfully. The future of therapeutic bronchoscopy is bright. New techniques of optic spectroscopy will allow improved detection of laser induced tissue fluorescence. Refinements of laser technology and development of visualisation systems such as endoscopic echography and electronic videoendoscopy will lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.