Role of endoscopic ambulatory laser therapy in palliation of malignant colorectal diseases.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic laser therapy is widely used in the palliation of advanced malignant colorectal diseases. The role of this therapy in improving the quality of life of these patients needs adequate assessment. METHODS: Nine patients with advanced colorectal cancers and three patients with secondary colorectal involvement by pelvic cancers underwent endoscopic NdYAG laser therapy for palliation using non-contact laser guides for tumor bleeding alone (n = 12) or associated with obstruction (n = 7). The therapy was performed on an outpatient basis in 9 of the 12 patients. One patient was lost to follow up. RESULTS: Symptom control was achieved in all the 11 bleeding tumors and in 5 of the 7 obstructive tumors. There were no major complications. Three patients had no improvement in the quality of life in spite of control of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Ambulatory endoscopic laser therapy is a minimally invasive, safe and effective method of palliation for selected patients with non-resectable malignant colorectal tumors.