Sutureless End to End Ureteral Anastomosis Using a New Albumin Stent and Diode Laser

Sutureless end to end ureteral anastomoses was successfully constructed in acute and chronic experiments. A photothermal sensitive hydrolyzable (PSH) albumin stent played roles as solder and intraluminal supporter to adhesion and position the anastomosed ureter by end to end fashion. The anastomosis seam was lased with 810 nm diode laser energy supplied through hand-held 600 mm noncontact optical fiber. A continuous 1 watt wave of power was applied for laser anastomosis. Integrity, welding strength, bursting pressures of anastomosis and histological reaction, and radiological phenomena were compared to those of anastomoses constructed using a liquidity soldering technique. The acute results of two methods were equivalent at welding strengths, but the liquid soldering showed more energy consumption. At chronic study, the radiological and histological studies were performed to evaluate the complications of the anastomosis. Excellent healing and varied degrees of complications were observed. We conclude that PSH stent showed great promise for ureteral anastomosis using laser welding.