[The YAG-Nd laser in bronchology. Its role in noncancer pathology].

Whereas the CO2 laser has rapidly become an essential tool in laryngology, only a few teams use the YAG-Nd laser in bronchology. This is due to several factors, these explaining the reason for the slow diffusion of a method that has been available for 5 years. Firstly, indications are and will be very limited, and are mainly palliative in scope, particularly for tracheobronchial cancer, which represents half of the cases treated. Secondly, many endoscopic resections are dangerous and conducted at the price of a risk of asphyxia. They require an operative protocol and follow up surveillance of perfect security. Finally, it is evident that flexible endoscopic material is poorly adapted to this technique and indications have to be restricted by those who refuse to return to the archaic rigid tube.