Use of a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser to remove exuberant granulation tissue from the esophagus of a horse

Abstract

Use of a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser to remove exuberant granulation tissue from the esophagus of a horse A 4-year-old Quarter Horse mare was evaluated because of recurrent esophageal obstruction. Endoscopic examination revealed a proliferative mass in the esophagus approximately 55 cm aborad to the nares. Histologic examination of biopsy specimens revealed diffuse suppurative esophagitis and granulation tissue with no evidence of neoplasia. The mass was excisedand ablated transendoscopically with a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser. During a follow-up examination 2 weeks after the final laser procedure, the mass was no longer apparent, and the esophagus appeared healed. Six months after the final examination, there had been no recurrence of the mass. In this horse, transendoscopic laser excision was efficacious and avoided problems associated with an esophagotomy.