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Effects of electrocautery, CO/sub 2/ laser, and contact Nd:YAG laser scalpel on the healing of intestinal incision

Journal Article · · Lasers Surg. Med.; (United States)
Leakage after intestinal resection is a serious complication with a high mortality rate. A recent study claims that cutting the intestine with the CO/sub 2/ laser improves the healing of intestinal anastomoses. The present study was undertaken to analyze the effects of electrocautery, CO/sub 2/ laser, and contact Nd:YAG laser on the healing of intestinal incisions. Fifteen piglets were used and the cutting and reanastomosing were performed by using all cutting methods in each animal in randomized order. Resection sites were 50 cm, 100 cm, and 150 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz. On the seventh day the bursting pressures were measured for each anastomosis. They were 172 +/- 17 mmHg for normal bowel segment and 133 +/- 12, 135 +/- 40, and 139 +/- 17 mmHg for electrocautery, CO/sub 2/ laser, and Nd:YAG laser, respectively. There were no mortality, no anastomotic leaks, and no statistically significant differences in the bursting pressures, in histology, or in the healing of anastomotic sites, indicating that electrocautery, CO/sub 2/ laser, and contact Nd:YAG laser scalpel can safely be used in the surgery of small intestine.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Cincinnati Medical Center, OH (USA)
OSTI ID:
5426459
Journal Information:
Lasers Surg. Med.; (United States), Journal Name: Lasers Surg. Med.; (United States) Vol. 7:6; ISSN LSMED
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English