HOMOLOGOUS ACELLULAR MATRIX GRAFT FOR URETHRAL RECONSTRUCTION IN THE RABBIT: HISTOLOGICAL AND FUNCTIONAL EVALUATION

Abstract

The acellular urethral matrix allows single-stage urethral reconstruction. All tissue components were seen in the grafted matrix after 3 months, with further improvement over time; however, the smooth muscle in the matrix was less than in normal rabbit urethra and was not well oriented. RT-PCR revealed the importance of time-dependent growth factor influences during regeneration.