Abstract

The application of lasers to the problem of gastrointestinal bleeding started in 1973. Since that time, both the argon laser and Nd colon YAG laser have been used to affect a coagulation of bleeding intestinal lesions. The success rate of the argon laser on selected patients is ~80 %, and the success rate of the Nd colon YAG on unselected bleeding patients is 90%. Most therapeutic endoscopic centers are using the Nd:YAG laser. The advantage of laser endoscopy is the incorporation of a therapeutic technique simultaneously into a commonly used diagnostic procedure. It can replace emergency surgery for the indication of bleeding with elective surgery. This procedure is safer and can reduce the morbidity and mortality of the patient. The reduction in hospital stay, blood transfusion, and days of work will reduce the cost of patient management.

© 1981 Optical Society of America