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Home » Clinical Services » Laser Therapy

Laser Therapy

World Leader In Photodynamic Therapy

The Laser Center at Thompson Cancer Survival Center is a world teaching center for photodynamic therapy, a treatment which uses a light-activated drug, and laser light to destroy abnormal cells. The equipment needed to deliver laser light to the area being treated was developed at the Thompson Laser Center, and many physicians and others who participated in the study leading to FDA approval of the procedure were trained at this facility.

PDT Treatment Of Barrett's Esophagus

Photodynamic therapy is a non-invasive alternative to surgical removal of the esophagus, which previously was the only available treatment for Barrett's esophagus or early esophageal cancer. Side effects are significantly reduced with this technology. An esophagectomy requires inpatient treatment of between seven and fifty-five days, and has a 30-day mortality rate of 3.4% - 17.3%. Photodynamic therapy is an outpatient procedure and has resulted in no patient mortality to date.

BÂRRX treatment for Barrett's esophagus

BÂRRX procedure is a new endoscopic technique used for treatment less-serious Barrett's esophagus. In this procedure radiofrequency energy is delivered to the affected area to destroy the Barrett's cells without damaging the normal tissue underneath.

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

Endoscopic mucosal resection is a relatively new procedure for removal of small nodules within the area of Barrett's esophagus. These nodules, which are typically a sign of disease progressions are removed using an electrosurgical snare.

An additional advantage of the technique is that when nodule is removed, a pathological examination can be used to determine the depth of abnormal cells. This helps in diagnosing the progression of the disease.

Endoscopic Thermal Ablation

Endoscopic thermal ablation is an outpatient laser procedure that destroys small areas of Barrett's tissue that are not suitable for photodynamic therapy or BÂRRX procedure. Bipolar or monopolar electrosurgical techniques may also be used.

Plicator Procedure For Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Full thickness plication is a new outpatient procedure which can reduce or eliminate the need for prescription medications for patients with gastroesophageal reflux diseases. The Plicator™ corrects the physical defect that causes GERD by folding and reinforcing tissue at the gastroesophageal junction to restore the anti-reflux barrier. In a recent study, this procedure eliminated the need for prescription heartburn medications in 70% of patients.