A comparison between argon laser and microsuture anastomosis of the rat uterine horn

For assessment of the use of the argon laser for tubal anastomosis, the uterine horns of 12 Sprague-Dawley rats were surgically divided and then anastomosed, 6 by argon laser photocoagulation and 6 by the conventional technique of microsurgery. After a 4- to 6-week postsurgical period subjects were reexamined. All microsutured anastomoses were fully patent and continuous, with no apparent fibrosis. Four of six laser subjects had complete occlusion; the other two exhibited patencies between 10% and 20% of normal luminal area. Although initially producing satisfactory union, argon laser photocoagulation proved highly tissue traumatic, resulting in poor regeneration of the anastomotic site.