We conducted endoscopic Nd-YAG laser irradiation for the purpose of local treatment for inoperative esophageal cancer because of existing severe complications.
Nd-YAG laser irradiation was continued until disappearance of the swollen regions and negative outcome was confirmed in both two cases using endoscopic biopsy when radiotherapy was used in combination for the purpose of local and radical treatments for superficial esophageal cancer. In one outpatient case, the clinical course was observed every three months by biopsy under endoscopy. In another case, non-thoracotomized esophagectomy was conducted after four months lapse. No cancer cells were histopathologically observed in isolated specimens. For two cases of progressive esophageal cancer of the all-circumferential stenosis type, Nd-YAG laser irradiation was conducted in combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, resulting in release from stenosis and oral digestibility. Endoscopic Nd-YAG laser irradiation produced the potential for complete remission of local foci in the case of superficial esophageal cancer and effective improvement of stenosis in the case of progressive esophageal cancer of the all-circumferential stenosis type. For inoperative progressive esophageal cancer, endoscopic Nd-YAG laser irradiation was effective as an intensive treatment consisting of radiotherapy, iminunotherapy, and chemotherapy.