Summary
Fifty-nine consecutive patients with stenosing carcinoma of the upper gastrointestinal
tract were entered into a prospective study defining parameters of survival during
laser treatment. A total of 322 laser sessions were performed, 56 % of which on an
outpatient basis. Life table analysis revealed that survival was poor in the presence
of metastases, and in patients under 60 years of age. Survival was statistically independent
of tumor histology, location, length or previous treatment of any kind. In contrast,
the degree of stenosis both before and after laser treatment was related to survival
in a significant fashion. The best separation into groups was achieved with the parameter
dysphagia after laser treatment. Thus, the data are compatible with an important role
of adequate enteral nutrition in these debilitated patients.
Key words:
Esophageal carcinoma - Gastric carcinoma - Neodymium-YAG laser
