Laser tissue welding in genitourinary reconstructive surgery: assessment of optimal suture materials

Wound healing in urology

Wound healing is a dynamic and complex phenomenon of replacing devitalized tissues in the body. Urethral healing takes place in four phases namely inflammation, proliferation, maturation and remodelling, similar to dermal healing. However, the duration of each phase of wound healing in urology is extended for a longer period when compared to that of dermatology. An ideal wound dressing material removes exudate, creates a moist environment, offers protection from foreign substances and promotes tissue regeneration. A single wound dressing material shall not be sufficient to treat all kinds of wounds as each wound is distinct. This review includes the recent attempts to explore the hidden potential of growth factors, stem cells, siRNA, miRNA and drugs for promoting wound healing in urology. The review also discusses the different technologies used in hospitals to treat wounds in urology, which make use of innovative biomaterials synthesised in regenerative medicines like hydrogels, hydrocolloids, foams, films etc., incorporated with growth factors, drug molecules or nanoparticles. These include surgical zippers, laser tissue welding, negative pressure wound therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen treatment.

Holmium laser core-through urethrotomy for traumatic obliterative strictures of urethra: Initial experience

OBJECTIVES

To determine the safety and efficacy of holmium laser core-through urethrotomy (HolCTU) for the treatment of post-traumatic obliterative stricture of the urethra.

METHODS

From June 2002 to March 2003, 29 men underwent the core-through procedure. All the patients had obliterative strictures of the bulbomembranous urethra. The length of the stricture was 2.5 cm or less, with good alignment between the two urethral ends. The holmium laser was used to vaporize the obliterative fibrotic tissue. The procedure was guided by a metal sound introduced through the suprapubic tract. Catheter removal and voiding cystourethrography were done at 6 weeks after the procedure and urethroscopy 1 month after catheter removal.

RESULTS

At a mean follow-up of 15 months (range 10 to 19), the results were excellent in 19 (65.51%) of 29 patients. Nine (31.03%) had acceptable results; these patients failed to maintain good flow after HolCTU and required internal urethrotomy/endoscopic dilation once or twice for stabilization (maximal flow rate 15 mL/s or greater). Failure was seen in 1 patient (3.44%) who had recurrent obstruction despite repeated internal urethrotomy and finally required formal transpubic urethroplasty. The mean operating time was 40 minutes (range 30 to 90), with mean hospital stay of 8 hours (range 6 to 48). No perioperative complications occurred, except in 1 patient who developed small extravasation of fluid locally. All the patients were continent, and potency status was unaffected by HolCTU.

CONCLUSIONS

HolCTU is a safe and simple treatment for obliterative urethral strictures. The procedure is less morbid than open repair with a slightly greater failure rate.

Laser tissue welding: a biotechnological advance for the future

Laser tissue welding as well as other alternative methods of closure will play a more important role in surgical specialties as laparoscopic, endoscopic, and microsurgical techniques continue to develop. Laser tissue welding uses laser energy to anastomose tissues and is ideally suited for applications in which suturing and stapling is difficult. Recent advances have led to a better understanding of the mechanisms of tissue welding. Additionally, technical achievements including the introduction of protein solders and temperature-controlled feedback systems have led to the acceptance of laser tissue welding in clinical medicine. In this article, we describe the history and development of laser tissue welding and review the current and potential applications of this technology.

Laser tissue welding: a urological surgeon's perspective

Laser tissue welding has proven its efficacy in the laboratory setting when compared with more traditional modalities of tissue reapproximation. In the clinical environment, several areas including urethral reconstructive surgery have shown great promise. Several technological advancements including solder development, chromophore enhancement and temperature control have improved upon the welding process and have added more precision and reproducibility to the technique. The current potential applications for laser welding in urology are numerous. On a molecular level, growth factor supplementation has certain potential in improving upon weld site healing and wound strength. Laparoscopic surgery with its need for less cumbersome modes of tissue closure is a field that will greatly benefit from the technology of laser tissue welding. Surgical specialties outside of urology are also participating in developing the field of laser welding. In particular, cardiothoracic surgery, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, neurosurgery among others, have utilized the concept of laser tissue welding. There are many ares that have potential use for laser welding that have yet to be explored. Further investigation will likely reveal more applications for this valuable technology.

Laser tissue welding

Laser tissue welding is a technologic innovation that is beginning to move from the theoretical laboratory environment to the reality of clinical application. This article reviews the concepts, potential advantages, and techniques involved in laser tissue welding as they apply to urology.