End-to-end small bowel anastomosis by temperature controlled CO₂ laser soldering and an albumin stent - A feasibility study

Introduction: A feasibility study of small intestinal end to end anastomosis was performed in a rabbit model using temperature controlled CO ₂ laser system and an albumin stent. Compared with standard suturing or clipping, this method does not introduce foreign materials to the repaired wound and therefore, may lead to better and faster wound healing of the anastomotic site. Methods: Transected rabbits small intestines were either laser soldered using 47% bovine serum albumin and intraluminal albumin stent or served as controls in which conventional continuous two-layer end to end anastomosis was performed manually. The integrity of the anastomosis was investigated at the 14^th postoperative day. Results: Postoperative course in both treatments was uneventful. The sutured group presented signs of partial bowel obstruction. Macroscopically, no signs of intraluminal fluid leakage were observed in both treatments. Yet, laser soldered intestinal anastomoses demonstrated significant superiority with respect to adhesions and narrowing of the intestinal lumen. Serial histological examinations revealed better wound healing characteristics of the laser soldered anastomotic site.