Nd:YAG laser photoresection of low-grade malignant tumors of the tracheobronchial tree.

Nineteen patients with low-grade malignant tumors of the tracheobronchial tree received Nd:YAG laser treatment. They were referred for palliation of symptomatic airway obstruction due to carcinoid (14 cases) or adenocystic carcinoma (five cases). In all patients, laser treatment was followed by symptomatic relief. Fifteen patients have done well and remain in good condition between six months and four years after laser photoresection. Two of the five patients with adenocystic carcinoma died because of hemoptysis at one and 49 months after laser therapy. In the group of 14 patients with carcinoids, two episodes of bleeding (more than 250 ml) occurred that were controlled by tamponade with the tube and coagulation by the laser beam itself. Two patients with carcinoid died of unrelated causes (stroke and gastric carcinoma).