ISSN:
1435-604X
Keywords:
Oesophageal cancer
;
Gastric cancer
;
Neodymium-YAG laser
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
,
Physics
,
Technology
Notes:
Abstract For palliative treatment of tumours with the Nd-YAG laser, the non-contact method of applying laser energy has become established as a useful technique. However, it has certain disadvantages which include overdistension of the intestine, difficulty in calculating the amount of energy applied in each place, and the danger of destruction of the tip of the light guide if this makes contact with the tissue while the laser is being fired. The newly developed contact method of energy application by means of ceramic tips is free from such disadvantages. We report our results with the contact and the non-contact method in the treatment of stenosing inoperable tumours of the oesophagus and stomach. By the end of 1985 we had treated 76 patients with the non-contact method and 16 with the contact method. The relative advantages of the two methods in clinical use are discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02038966
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