Palliation of rectosigmoid neoplasms with Nd:YAG laser treatment.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of NdYAG laser treatment as palliation for rectosigmoid neoplasms. METHODS: Indications for laser therapy, the degree and duration of symptom relief, complication rate, and survival time were recorded in consecutive patients. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSION: Laser treatment is a good palliative method in patients with colorectal cancer, especially in patients with local recurrence or symptoms from non-resected tumors.