Laparoscopic laser soldering for repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in the porcine model.
OBJECTIVE
Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is used for the repair of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. Our objective was to introduce laser soldering to this procedure.


METHODS
We developed a system based on a CO2 laser, an infrared detector, and two infrared transmitting optical fibers to obtain temperature-controlled laser soldering of cuts in tissues. The system was used for laparoscopic soldering of incisions in the kidneys of pigs.


RESULTS
We carried out laparoscopic pyeloplasty successfully in a porcine model using fiberoptic laser soldering. Laparoscopic laser soldering was found to be faster than suturing. It was easier to use and provided watertight bonding.


CONCLUSIONS
This technique will be useful in pyeloplasty as well as other laparoscopic surgical procedures.
Shumalinsky
Dmitry
D
Department of Urology, Barzilai Medical Center Ashkelon, Affiliated with Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.
Lobik
Leonid
L
Cytron
Shmuel
S
Halpern
Marisa
M
Vasilyev
Tamar
T
Ravid
Avi
A
Katzir
Abraham
A
D000818:Animals; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D007682:Kidney Pelvis / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods; D023421:Models, Animal; D013552:Swine; D014513:Ureter / Q000601:surgery*; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000601:surgery*; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*