Comparative study of suture and laser‐assisted anastomoses in rat sciatic nerves

Abstract

Conventional suture repair of peripheral nerves results in a fibrotic reaction that is detrimental to nerve regeneration. As an alternative procedure known as "laser-assisted" repair, a laser can be used, along with a reduced number of sutures, to reanastomose served peripheral nerves. To explore the long-term implications of this technique, the right sciatic nerves of Sprague-Dawley rats were surgically cut and reanastomosed either by means of four epineurial sutures or two epineurial sutures and CO2 laser welds. Tensile strength, electrophysiology, histology, and functional studies were performed up to 11 months postoperatively. Tensile strength measurements indicate no long-term disadvantage with the laser-assisted technique, although the short-term tensile strength is lower than with conventional suture repair. The conduction velocities of the repaired nerves were similar for both techniques; however, laser-assisted repaired nerves were found to have lower stimulation thresholds and reduced branching compared to the suture repaired nerves. The measured functional recovery was similar for both repair techniques.

Nerve transection repair using laser‐activated chitosan in a rat model

“…This measurement, however, may not adequately reflect the vulnerability of the anastomosis initially . After LNW, the anastomosis is initially weak and appears to strengthen over the course of recovery . In addition, the rate of dehiscence in this study may not translate to the probability of dehiscence in a larger animal model or in humans.…”

“…11 After LNW, the anastomosis is initially weak and appears to strengthen over the course of recovery. 30 In addition, the rate of dehiscence in this study may not translate to the probability of dehiscence in a larger animal model or in humans. For example, the human facial nerve takes a convoluted route through bony and soft tissue spaces, spanning a much longer distance than the rat posterior tibial nerve.…”

Quantitative Evaluation of Intact Peripheral Nerve Structures after Utilization of CO2Laser, Electrocautery, and Scalpel

“…18 Studies on the effect of lasers on nerve tissues are more related Group RI RII RIII RIV RV Total 1 12 3 13 17 3 48 1 28 14 22 18 20 102 1 16 24 14 20 8 82 1 13 17 10 8 4 52 1 7 14 10 14 4 49 1 to the power of the laser to promote the sealing of sectioned nerve structures. [19][20][21] There is controversy about whether lasers would be beneficial for neural sectioning, even when different wavelengths are used in experimental studies in the transection of nerves and reanastomoses, and resulting in minimal neural damage 1 and causing no deleterious effect on nerve repair after surgery. 22 Previous study 23 mentioned that the CO 2 laser (milliwatts) had the ability to suppress the formation of neuroma in the extremity of the sectioned nerve.…”

Laser nerve repair by solid protein band technique. II: Assessment of long-term nerve regeneration

“…[1][2][3][4] The application of a protein solder to improve the weld strength has several advantages in this context. [5][6][7][8][9] As direct laser tissue welding relies on the denaturation of protein in the tissue to form a bond, it requires an absorber (water or a chromophore) to convert the laser light to heat efficiently.…”

“…OWEN, M.D. 2 A total of 18 adult male Wistar rats had left tibial nerve repaired by either the laser-solder technique or a more conventional microsuture technique. The diode laser power was 90 mW and the radiation dose 16 J/mg.…”