Nonthermal ureteral tissue bonding: comparison of photochemical collagen crosslinking with thermal laser bonding

摘要

Because of difficulties with suture placement during minimally invasive procedures, many have sought alternative methods of creating tissue anastomoses. Although well studied, thermal laser tissue bonding has the potential of causing collateral thermal injury. Non-thermal tissue bonding agents, which cross-link proteins when activated with light, are currently being explored. We recently reported successful non-thermal bonding using tetrabromorhodamine (TBR). The bond was stronger than sutured repairs but weaker than laser thermal bonding. We currently report our ex-vivo experience with an alternate agent, riboflavin-5-phosphate and compare these results to thermal bonding and TBR.