Local control of rectal cancer with the Nd-YAG laser

Summary Three patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer were treated using the Neodymium YAG laser to palliate the symptoms of tenesmus, discharge and bleeding. All were considered unfit for further surgical excision. The local tumour was completely removed following repeated laser therapy over a period of 4, 6 and 11 months, respectively. These patients remain well without evidence of local or systemic disease 26, 33 and 42 months after laser treatment. Laser therapy for palliation of local disease may be rewarded by prolonged local control and possible cure.