PATCH GRAFT URETHROPLASTY USING DYE-ENHANCED LASER-TISSUE WELDING WITH A HUMAN PROTEIN SOLDER - A PRECLINICAL CANINE MODEL

We investigated the use of the KTP-532 laser to perform a,patch graft urethroplasty in 24 adult male dogs using the inner preputial skin as the donor site. In group 1 (12 dogs) repairs were completed with conve ntional microsuturing techniques, while in group 2 (12 dogs) they were completed using the KTP-532 laser. In the laser welding group the add ition of a protein solder (40% human albumin) doped with fluorescein w as used. Assessment parameters included a preoperative and postoperati ve retrograde urethrogram, measurement of intraluminal bursting pressu re in the first 6 animals in each group, operative time and histology. Operative time was 42% faster and acute intraluminal bursting pressur es were significantly higher in the laser-solder group. No fistulas oc curred in the laser-solder group compared to a 50% fistula rate in the suture group. Significant radiographic abnormalities were seen in the urethras of the suture repair group.