Dismembered nonstented ureteroureterostomy using the carbon dioxide laser in the rabbit: comparison with suture anastomosis.

End-to-end laser welding of transected nonspatulated ureters was compared to conventional spatulated suture anastomosis in 3 kg. rabbits. Nonspatulated sutureless ureteral welding was achieved in 12 rabbits with low energy levels from a carbon dioxide laser. In 12 other rabbits spatulated end-to-end anastomoses were performed with interrupted 7-zero chromic catgut sutures. Patency rate in the welded ureters was 92 per cent, compared to 83 per cent for the suture anastomoses. Histological changes in welded ureters were similar to the sutured ureters. Ureteral welding is achieved in far less time than suture anastomosis.