Lasers in bronchology.

Endoscopic application of carbon dioxide and YAG laser technology is an important surgical adjuvant for the treatment of tracheobronchial airway obstruction. In cases of malignant disease of the tracheobronchial tree, laser surgery should be considered when definitive treatment (surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy) has failed or is not applicable. The importance of careful selection of patients cannot be overemphasized. In selected cases of benign tracheobronchial lesions and stenosis, endoscopic laser surgery may be used with minimal morbidity. Rapid advances and refinements in laser technology and instrumentation present "new frontiers" for the bronchologist. Endoscopic laser surgery has established its place along with standard therapeutic modalities.