Abstract
Aim Laser therapy is a well-known technique which has been safely used for almost thirty
years to treat endobronchial obstruction. Nd : YAG and Nd : YAP lasers are commonly
used lasers, whose safety and efficacy have been investigated in several large series.
Diode laser is a new laser system which has been mainly used in urology, endovascular
surgery, ENT, and dermatology. In recent years it has been effectively used in endobronchial
treatments.
Material and Method In this study, 61 patients who underwent endobronchial treatment with a diode laser
in the Interventional Pneumology Unit of our hospital were retrospectively evaluated.
Fifty-one patients were male. Mean age was 54.72 ± 13.81 years, and a total of 90
laser applications were given. In 39 cases, palliation of a malign obstruction was
achieved while cure was achieved in 19 cases with benign obstruction. No major complication
other than minor hemorrhage in 4 cases and temporary hypoxia in 2 cases was observed.
Conclusion Diode laser can be used as an effective and safe modality for endobronchial treatment.
Keywords
airway (includes related subject matter) - bronchial disease (includes injury, stenosis,
tumor, etc.) - lung cancer treatment (surgery, medical) - laser - diode laser - endobronchial
treatment - airway obstruction
