Low level nitrogen laser therapy in pulmonary tuberculosis.

We report a technique for treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis that has become resistant to traditional antibiotics. We introduce a needle into the lung that carries the N2 laser to the affected chest cavity. It is irradiated for 10 min and usually only one sitting is required. Clinical improvement occurred in 90% of the patients; 60% of the patients showed improvement on their X-rays. This technique is recommended as an adjuvant to traditional tuberculosis therapy.