[Endoscopic use of the neodymium YAG laser in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract].

Endoscopic neodymium-YAG laser therapy for the gastrointestinal tract has been proved since 1975. Mortality and time of convalescence of patients treated with laser for acute or potential bleeding lesions have been markedly reduced in contrast to surgery. Sessile neoplastic polyps can be removed endoscopically by laser. Laser recanalization of obstructed carcinoma or scars in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract to relieve dysphagia or ileus improves the patient's quality of life and has benefits for subsequent operations.