Histologic assessment of mesh fixation following laser-assisted tissue soldering in a lapine model.
OBJECTIVE
Wound histology and mesh bioincorporation following intraperitoneal fixation using laser-assisted soldering was evaluated.


METHODS
2.8-3.2 kg NZW rabbits underwent laparotomy. Controls had 2x2 cm segments of Mersilene stapled to peritoneum. Group 2 segments were affixed with 55% collagen solder onlay by fiber-coupled diode laser (1.43 +/- 10 micro, 2.5 W CW, 4 mm spot, 60 degrees C set temperature). Group 4 had Mersilene inlaid into melted solder. Group 3 had solder-embedded Vicryl mesh affixed. Animals were euthanized at 0, 2, 4, 6 weeks. Fixed sections were assessed for integrity, inflammation, and fibrosis using H & E, Masson's Trichrome and Evans Van Gieson staining.


RESULTS
Histology demonstrated cell types, local mesh reaction, and progressive evidence of solder reabsorption mimicking normal healing and bioincorporation. Mersilene groups demonstrated normal arrangement of collagen-rich layers around mesh.


CONCLUSIONS
Collagen-based tissue soldering permits normal wound healing and may mitigate use of staples. Further development of this strategy is warranted.
Lanzafame
Raymond J
RJ
Rochester General Hospital Laser Center, 1445 Portland Avenue #202, Rochester, NY 14621-3095, USA. ray.lanzafame@viahealth.org
Brondon
Philip
P
Stadler
Istvan
I
DeVore
Dale P
DP
Soltz
Robert
R
Soltz
Barbara A
BA
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D011817:Rabbits; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*