Abstract
The neodymium yttrium-aluminium-garnet (NdYAG) laser was used to palliate the symptoms of 38 patients with rectal carcinoma unsuitable for radical surgery. All patients with small tumours (n = 6) reported resolution of their symptoms. In contrast, those with large tumours frequently showed little improvement (n = 18) and alternative surgical management was necessary in 12 patients. The overall early mortality rate (less than 1 month after first treatment) was 21 per cent. The NdYAG laser offers good palliation and may even cure small colorectal tumours in patients who are unsuitable for surgery. For large circumferential tumours, those associated with obstruction and those close to or involving the anal sphincters, however, the results are poor and better symptom control may be achieved by other means.
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