[Advance in urethral reconstruction with tissue engineering techniques].

OBJECTIVE

To sum up the research advances in urethra reconstruction with tissue engineering techniques.

METHODS

The recent original articles about urethra reconstruction with engineering techniques were extensively reviewed.

RESULTS

At present, human urothelium and smooth muscle cells have been successfully harvested, cultivated, and expanded in vitro in sufficient quantities for reconstruction. Tissue engineering for urethral reconstruction includes matrices alone, the body's natural ability which induces new tissue growth, or the use of matrices with cells.

CONCLUSION

The tissue engineering materials for urethral reconstruction has been used successfully to repair defect of hypospadias and urethral strictures. The reconstruction of complex urethral defects need to be improved and developed.