Definition

A procedure in which an endoscope (a thin, lighted tube) with a laser attached is inserted into the body and used as a knife to cut out or destroy abnormal tissue, such as cancer tissue, or seal off blood or lymph vessels. Endoluminal laser therapy may be used to ease certain symptoms caused by advanced cancer. For example, it may be used to destroy tumor tissue that is blocking the windpipe, throat, stomach, or colon.