Stented laser-welded vasovasostomy in the rat: comparison of Nd:YAG and CO2 lasers

In 54 male Sprague-Dawley rats, 108 vasovasostomies were performed. Sutureless laser welding with the assistance of a removable stent was done using a CO2- and an Nd:YAG-laser system. Conventional two-layer microsurgical anastomoses served as controls. The Nd:YAG laser resulted in significantly lower patency rates, with a higher percentage of sperm granulomas; the CO2 laser produced results equivalent to conventional suturing. Sutureless laser welding utilizing a removable stent proved to be a time- and cost-saving procedure for vasovasostomies in the rat.