Laser application in bronchology.

The use of laser in bronchology plays a major role in the therapy of benign and malignant tumours. By flexible delivery systems, lasers can be used in combination with flexible bronchoscopes. By this benign tumours, especially in young children, can be ablated successfully without major surgical intervention. In malignant tumours laser ablation can only be used as a palliative procedure in cases untreatable by conventional surgery or prior to radiation or chemotherapy, in which the symptoms of hemopthysis or significant obstruction are indications for an urgent treatment. Especially in elder patients a quick relief of symptoms can be reached avoiding the high risks of an operation. A new and experimental field of laser application in bronchology is the tracheal reconstruction with laser assistance. In 10 Beagle dogs laser assisted tracheal anastomoses revealed good functional results with an uneventful postoperative course. Histology showed a normal healing and a good reconstruction of the ciliated endothelium without metaplastic changes. So this new technique may in future become an additional tool in the reconstructive surgery of the trachea and main bronchi.