Palliation of rectosigmoid neoplasms with Nd:YAG laser treatment.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Nd:YAG laser treatment as palliation for rectosigmoid neoplasms. Indications for laser therapy, the degree and duration of symptom relief, complication rate, and survival time were recorded in consecutive patients. Seventy-four patients entered the study. Poor general health in older patients, and disseminated or complicating disease were the most frequent indications for therapy. Fifty-five (74 percent) patients experienced good symptomatic effect from the treatment. Six complications occurred: five cases of perforation and one case of moderate bleeding. There was no mortality. The median survival was seven months (range, 14 days-39 months). Laser treatment is a good palliative method in patients with colorectal cancer, especially in patients with local recurrence or symptoms from non-resected tumors.