Bronchoscopic CO2 laser surgery.

The problem of removing or palliating obstructing lesions of the trachea nd bronchi has been solved by using the CO2 laser in conjunction with an endoscopic adaptor. We have used this laser successfully in 18 patients who had this particular problem. The advantages of laser surgery in this area are 1) reduced bleeding, 2) minimal exposure of the surgical field, 3) decreased swelling, 4) decreased postoperative hospital stay and less discomfort, and 5) no tumor spread or seeding. Patient acceptability of this modality is excellent, and general general, as well as local, anesthesia can be used. The results of laser ablation in the tracheobronchial tree have been quite satisfactory and can be repeated as often as necessary.