Health Technology Assessment Reports, 1987. Number 5. Endoscopic Laser Photocoagulation in the Treatment of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

摘要

Endoscopic laser photocoagulation for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding involves the application of laser light to a bleeding lesion through an optical fiber that passes to the gut via a channel of a flexible endoscope. The Nd:YAG laser emitting at 1064 nm is most frequently used. It is difficult to arrive at definitive conclusions on this topic because approximately 80% of patients with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage cease bleeding spontaneously. The results of controlled trials have been mixed. Some demonstrate benefit with the laser and some do not. At present, a drawback to the use of the laser is its lack of portability. Laser-induced bleeding remains a concern.