Between April 1980 and May 1989, a total of 117 cases of primary lung cancer and primary tracheal cancer were treated by bronchoscopic Nd-YAG laser vaporization. Effectiveness was observed in 43 of 46 cases of involving into the area from trachea to main bronchi, 48 of 71 cases of bronchial lesions.
In 40 cases presenting with severe respiratory distress the procedure was performed as an emergency life-saving procedure and dramatic improvement in condition was seen in 37 cases (92.5%).
In 5 cases of endoscopical early stage squamous cell carcinoma in which vaporization was performed as a radical curative procedure, no reccurence has been observed in 3 cases at 48-65 months.
In 57 cases of advanced lung cancer which the procedure was performed as part of a combined therapeutic strategy, effectiveness was observed in 40 cases (70.2%).
In effective cases following laser treatment for ventilatory disturvance, the patients' condition improved to the externt that chemotherapy or radiotherapy could be performed.
