Application of potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser delivered via bronchofiberscope in the treatment of endobronchial tuberculosis

To explore the application of potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser delivered via bronchofiberscope in the treatment of endobronchial tuberculosis. 36 patients with a diagnosis of endobronchial tuberculosis, with age ranging from 15 to 40 y were treated with KTP, laser between Dec. 2002 and July 2004 (designated as treatment group). The other 36 patients diagnosed as having endobronchial tuberculosis (aged 18 to 42 y, with a mean age of 33.5 y) without having received KTP laser treatment were included in a control group. Our results showed that the effective rates, in terms of recovery of bronchial lumen and cleanup of caseous necrotic mass were significantly higher in the treatment group 8 weeks after the treatment (P<0.01), and the healing rates of atelectasis and obstructive infection were also significantly higher in the treatment group (P<0.05 andP<0.01), but the incidence of complication after 8 weeks was no significant difference (P<0.05). No significant changes were found in SaO2 and HR before, during and after the operation in the treatment group (P>0.05). It is concluded that KTP laser is an effective therapy for endobronchial tuberculosis.