Nd:YAG laser as a therapeutic option in the management of gastrointestinal cancer.

We report the use of ELT utilizing an Nd:YAG laser in a group of patients with cancer who represented a significant surgical risk. Effective palliation was achieved, with minimal morbidity, and the quality of life of most of our patients was preserved or enhanced, at a minimal physiologic cost. In carefully selected patients, ELT has proved to be a safe and highly effective procedure for the management of gastrointestinal cancers. It should be considered a valuable addition to the treatment armamentarium of the practicing clinician dealing with patients with advanced cancers or patients with significant medical conditions precluding surgical resection.