Laser procedures for tumour ablation and destruction

Summary

Different lasers can be used in different techniques for tumour ablation and destruction. Thermal or biochemical procedures are also possible. Thermal procedures offer coagulation (in situ coagulation or interstitial coagulation) or vaporisation (recanalisation). Photodynamic therapy (PDT), based on biochemical, intracellular reactions, is helpful in treating premalignant diseases, recurrences or metastases. All procedures allow an endoscopic, percutaneous or open approach.

Keywords:

• Nd: YAG laser
• CO₂-laser
• interstitial thermotherapy
• tumour coagulation
• tumour resection/debulking
• photodynamic therapy