Comparison of Novel Tissue Apposing Device and Standard Anastomotic Technique for Vesicourethral Anastomoses

Objectives To evaluate a novel sutureless tissue apposing vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) device in a porcine model and compare it with standard laparoscopically sutured VUA. Methods Thirty domestic pigs were divided into six groups. In groups 1, 2, and 3, a standard laparoscopic sutured running VUA was performed. In groups 4, 5, and 6, a novel device VUA was performed. In all cases, cystography was completed immediately after completion of the anastomosis and when each pig was killed. At necropsy, the gross findings of the VUA were documented, and each anastomosis was excised en bloc for histopathologic evaluation of healing parameters. Results In the 30 pigs, 29 (97%) device or sutured VUAs were successfully performed laparoscopically without conversion to an open approach. The mean operative time for the standard and device groups was 87 and 68 minutes, respectively ( P = 0.04). The anastomotic time for the standard and device groups was 41 and 12 minutes, respectively ( P