title: Laser Tissue Welding - Poised for the New Millenium.
abstract: Laser tissue welding is a relatively new technique, which was initially described only about 30 years ago. Over the past 10 years, the implementation of protein solders has redefined the field. Alternative methods of wound closure and of tissue approximation have been quickly accepted in clinical medicine. The techniques and theory involved in performing laser tissue welding may soon be essential knowledge for all surgeons. Just as laparoscopy has become a mainstay for general surgeons and urologists, novel mechanisms of tissue approximation will continue to replace older, less efficacious techniques.
authors.affiliation: Director, Pediatric Urology Center / Assistant Professor of the James Buchanan Brady Foundation Department of Urology / The Richard Rodgers Family Assistant Professor of Pediatric Urology and Reconstructive Surgery, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Cornell University, The Joan and Sanford I. Weill Medical College, New York, NY.
authors.forename: Dix P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Poppas
authors.forename: G Bino
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Rucker
authors.forename: Douglas S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Scherr