Cardio-cerebrovascular complications from Nd:YAG laser treatment of lung cancer

Article Abstract:

For patients with unresectable lung cancer, laser can be an effective palliative (symptom relieving) treatment, with an acceptable complication rate. This treatment may be associated with hypoxia (inadequate oxygen in the blood), pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and tissue perforation. A 1991 study of patients who received Nd:YAG laser therapy reported a 25 percent incidence of cardiovascular complications and two complications probably resulting from air embolism. The current study was undertaken to assess 62 patients who developed cardiovascular complications as a result of bronchoscopic use of laser for palliative treatment of unresectable lung cancer. These patients underwent a total of 111 treatments. Eight patients (13 percent) developed brain and heart air embolisms (which obstruct blood flow). Five of these patients developed bradycardia (slowed heart rate) and four suffered cardiac arrest during surgery. Four patients developed stroke; two resolved spontaneously. One patient underwent early computed tomographic study which showed air within the brain. It is believed that during laser bronchoscopy air embolism to the cerebral (brain) circulation occurs. Techniques to avoid this include reduced cooling air flow, use of helium fiber cooling, or use of photodynamic therapy. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Complications and side effects, Risk factors, Stroke (Disease), Stroke, Air embolism, Gas embolism, Lung cancer, Laser endoscopy

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Symptomatic congenital lesions of the alimentary tract in adults

Article Abstract:

Most birth defects of the digestive tract are identified during childhood, however, some may avoid detection until adulthood because they do not interfere with function until they become larger or cause obstruction. In some cases, the congenital nature of the condition is not recognized. A report is presented of 17 patients with congenital lesions of the digestive tract. Their ages at the time they were first seen ranged from 23 to 71 years. The duration of symptoms ranged from one month to 23 years (average duration was 5 years). Most (71 percent) of the abnormalities involved development of the foregut, the first part of the embryonic digestive tube which ultimately becomes the pharynx, esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Diagnosis was made prior to surgery in 6 patients (35 percent). Diagnostic techniques found to be useful in establishing diagnoses were endoscopy, computerized tomography and ultrasound imaging. The authors suggest that the diagnoses were not made earlier largely because a congenital cause is usually not considered in an adult with digestive system symptoms. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Abnormalities, Diagnosis, Birth defects, Digestive organs, Digestive system

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