[Nd:YAG laser treatment of cancer of the esophagus and cardia].

In 1988, Nd:YAG laser treatment was employed as palliative therapy for 23 patients with cancer of the oesophagus and cardia. After treatment, half of the patients could ingest light or normal diets and the ability to swallow improved in a total of 3/4 of the patients. Perforation of the oesophagus occurred in two patients and aspiration in two other patients. It is concluded that, in a great number of patients with inoperable cancer of the oesophagus and cardia, laser treatment is better than other palliative therapeutic measures. The indications are discussed.