Use of CO 2 laser in intestinal anastomoses. Experimental study in the rat [L'IMPIEGO DEL LASER CO 2 NELLE ANASTOMOSI INTESTINALI. STUDIO SPERIMENTALE NEL RATTO]

Abstract In this study we have evaluated the use of the low-energy CO 2 laser to weld tissues, in making intestinal anastomosis. Ten Wistar rats underwent resection of normal segment of ileum. Margins were approximated by means of 3 approximating sutures. The CO 2 laser of 0.9 W with spot size of 0.15 mm in continuous wave mode was applied to each side of the anastomosis. The laser beam was applied at 5 cm distance from the tissue. After 10 days in 8 rats the anastomosis proved normal with non stenosis or dilatation of the intestine. Histologically no mucosa could be detected on the anastomotic line after 10 days. However at 15 days the growth of the epithelium on the anastomotic line started and a full reepithelization occurred after 30 days. No inflammatory infiltrate and/or foreign bodies granulomas, notoriously present in conventional or stapled anastomosis, could be observed. Our results seem to suggest that CO 2 laser anastomosis can be safe and valuable without inflammatory infiltrate and scar tissue formation