Summary
228 patients have been studied in retrospect, in an attempt to delineate the limits
and pitfalls of laser treatment of benign (n = 104) and malignant (n = 124) tumors.
Benign colorectal adenomas (n = 78) were divided into 3 groups according to the size
of the lesion. The occurrence of complications, the persistence and recurrence rate
paralleled the size of the tumor. No relationship as to the number of sessions, the
interval between them or the mean and/or total amount of energy was found. The prolonged
time span of treatment in larger lesions was related to the formation of large ulcers
and edema. Poor accessibility and difficult positioning of the laser beam interfered
with adequacy of laser treatment. In familial polyposis (n = 26) laser photocoagulation
appeared a highly effective, safe and easy procedure.
In esophageal cancer (n = 16), gastric (n = 13) and colorectal malignancies (n = 95)
laser therapy was very efficaceous in the palliation of bleeding and/or obstruction.
Unfavorable anatomy and difficult accessibility were the main drawbacks. Problems
in the assessment of pathology and submucosal extension impeded effective treatment
of early cancer.
Generally speaking, the presence of a whitish appearance, fibrosis or bloody tissue
pointed toward a less favorable response, but much more has to be learned about the
interaction between laser light and tissue properties.
Key words:
Nd:YAG laser photocoagulation - Complication of laser photocoagulation - Limitation
of laser photocoagulation - Laser photocoagulation - Gastrointestinal cancer - Gastrointestinal
adenoma
