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Asian Journal of Andrology (2013) 15, 89–92; doi:10.1038/aja.2012.91; published online 8 October 2012
Tissue engineering in urethral reconstruction—an update
Altaf Mangera1 and Christopher R Chapple2
1 Department of Urology Research, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK
2 Sheffield Hallam University and Consultant Urological Surgeon at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK
Correspondence: Prof Christopher R Chapple BSc MD FRCS, (c.r.chapple@shef.ac.uk)
Received 1 May 2012; Revised 2 July 2012; Accepted 25 July 2012
Advance online publication 8 October 2012
| Abstract |
The field of tissue engineering is rapidly progressing. Much work has gone into developing a tissue engineered urethral graft. Current grafts, when long, can create initial donor site morbidity. In this article, we evaluate the progress made in finding a tissue engineered substitute for the human urethra. Researchers have investigated cell-free and cell-seeded grafts. We discuss different approaches to developing these grafts and review their reported successes in human studies. With further work, tissue engineered grafts may facilitate the management of lengthy urethral strictures requiring oral mucosa substitution urethroplasty.
Keywords: reconstructive urology; tissue engineering; urethra; urethroplasty |
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