Prosthetic urinary bladder implantation to facilitate bladder regeneration

A temporary artificial bladder was implanted in 15 female dogs undergoing total or subtotal cystectomy. One or two months after implantation, the prosthesis was removed. In three dogs sacrificed 6 months after prosthesis implantation, a new urinary reservoir was identified. Two dogs failed to develop a urinary reservoir, and both ureters anastomosed directly to the top of a dilated urethra. Seven dogs died from complications (infection, urine leakage, etc). Three additional dogs are alive and well 2.5 months after implantation, and in these animals a new urinary reservoir has been demonstrated by cystography. Histologic examination of the new urinary reservoir revealed a thin lining of transitional cell-like epithelium and an underlying attenuated muscle layer. The ability of the canine species to generate a functioning urinary reservoir after total or subtotal cystectomy may hold promise for eventual clinical application in humans.