@article{xie03b, author = {H. Xie and B. S. Shaffer and S. A. Prahl and K. W. Gregory}, title = {Laser Ureteral Anastomosis Using Intraluminal Albumin Stent in a Porcine Model}, journal = {Lasers Surg Med}, volume = {32}, pages = {294--8}, year = {2003}, abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We compared ureteral anastomosis using a laser and intraluminal albumin stent with both conventional suturing and laser soldering techniques. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve pigs underwent bilateral ureteral anastomoses ($N=24$) using one of the three anastomotic methods: (1) laser welding with intraluminal albumin stent ($N=11$); (2) with albumin solder ($N=8$); and (3) conventional suturing ($N=5$). Operative parameters, leakage rate, intrapelvic perfusion pressure, urography, and histology of the anastomoses were examined. RESULTS: Operative time for ureteral anastomosis in the stent and solder groups were significantly shorter than the suture group (means 370\,s and 360 vs. 710\,s, both $p=0.02$). Leakage rate of the anastomoses was lower in the stent group (9\%, 1/11) as compared to the solder group (25\%, 2/8). The Whitaker test showed that the intrapelvic perfusion pressure elevated gradually after anastomosis and significantly increased at 4 weeks postoperatively in all three methods. Various degrees of hydronephrosis were also noticed in three groups after 4 weeks of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the intraluminal albumin stent increased the reliability of laser welding for ureteral anastomosis. The clinical significance of using this technique should be investigated further.}, }