Laser welding with albumin-based solder: Experimental full-tubed skin graft urethroplasty

Andrew J. Kirsch, David T. Chang, Mark L. Kayton, Steven K. Libutti, Michael R. Treat, Terry W. Hensle

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background and Objective: Fistula and stricture formation at the site of sutured anastomoses are frequent complications of major urethroplasty. We performed urethroplasty using laser-welded skin tube grafts in the hope that in addition to being free of suture holes, grafts would be as strong as or stronger than sutured controls. Study Design/Material and Methods: Scrotal skin was harvested from each of 11 rabbits and fashioned into tubes 3-4 cm in length using either conventional suture techniques or laser welding. Welding was performed using an 808-nm diode laser and a dye enhanced solder composed of albumin and sodium hyaluronate. Laser power density was 15.9 watts/cm 2. For each graft, leak pressure, and urethroplasty time (tube creation and anastomosis to native urethra) were measured. Results: Urethroplasty time was significantly shorter and initial leak pressures were seven times greater in the laser-welded group. Conclusions: The near-uniform occurrence of strictures in both groups suggests that the rabbit is not an ideal model for free tube graft urethroplasty. However, our data indicate that laser welding with albumin-based solder, when used in the appropriate setting, may offer the potential for the rapid creation of watertight grafts in reconstructive urology.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)225-230
Number of pages6
JournalLasers in Surgery and Medicine
Volume18
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1996
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • glue
  • reconstruction
  • urology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Dermatology

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