title: Laser tissue soldering: applications in the genitourinary system.
abstract: Within the past 25 years, lasers have transitioned from merely destructive or ablative tools to those with reconstructive uses. It has been shown that the application of laser thermal energy to tissue will result in welding of the approximated areas. Furthermore, the addition of protein solder and chromophores (tissue soldering) has increased wound tensile strength while decreasing peripheral tissue damage. Laboratory studies have demonstrated application of laser tissue soldering to virtually all components of the genitourinary system. Increasing human experience in recent years has reinforced the success of this technique.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1901 Century Boulevard, Suite 14, Atlanta, GA 30345, USA.
authors.forename: Erica L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Schalow
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Kirsch
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D014566:Urogenital System / Q000601:surgery*