[Urethroplasty with tissue matrix. Microsurgical animal experiments with small intestinal submucosa].

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to examine whether use of small intestinal submucosa in microsurgical urethroplasty in Wistar rats represents an alternative.

METHODS

In 20 Wistar rats microsurgical urethroplasty with small intestinal submucosa was done to repair distal or proximal urethral defects. Four weeks later urethral calibration and urethrography were performed in addition to histological studies.

RESULTS AND

CONCLUSIONS

Of the 20 animals, 19 survived the observation period without evidence of fistulas, strictures, stenoses, or necroses. The histological results confirmed an intact tissue layer.