The Minipig as a Practical Endourologic Model

Abstract

The female Hanford strain of minipig proved to be an excellent endourologic model. Cystourethroscopy was possible in all 13 animals tested, with a rigid ureteroscope the optimum instrument. Ureteral catheterization was successful in 24 of 26 cases, and in all of these 24 cases, ureteral dilatation, ureteroscopy, and retrograde puncture were successful. The minipig upper tract is similar in size and anatomy to that of a 70-kg human. The greatest success with the least morbidity was obtained in animals weighing about 25 kg.