Conventional reanastomosis versus laser welding of rat uterine horns

• Published in: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology Vol. 156; no. 4; p. 1006
• Main Authors: Shapiro, A G, Carter, M, Ahmed, A, Sielszak, M W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.04.1987
• Subjects: Animals; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Female; Laser Therapy - methods; Microsurgery - methods; Rats; Suture Techniques; Time Factors; Uterus - pathology; Uterus - surgery
• ISSN: 0002-9378
• DOI: 10.1016/0002-9378(87)90377-2

In this study we compared conventional surgical techniques with those of low-power CO2 lasers (output 140 mW; spot size 0.4 mm) used to weld transected rat uterine horns. On one side a microanastomosis was made by standard surgical technique of 8-0 nylon; the other side was "welded" either after doing the anastomosis with 8-0 sutures or without any anastomotic sutures. Histologic sections obtained from rats' uteri treated with conventional and laser surgery showed that on the laser-treated sutured side there was less necrosis and inflammatory and giant cells. The animals that underwent laser welding without suturing had no necrosis, suppuration, or granulation; giant cells were not present. We conclude that in the tissue from the laser-treated animals, when compared with conventional and laser-with-suture surgery, histologic features indicate healing process by primary intention via an aseptic noninflammatory reaction.