PARTIAL BLADDER RECONSTRUCTION WITH PEDICLED RECTUS AND GRACILIS MUSCLE FLAPS - AN EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY IN DOGS

Objective To investigate the functional, anatomical and histopathologi cal results of partial bladder reconstruction with skeletal muscle fla ps. Materials and methods Partial bladder reconstruction with gracilis or rectus muscle naps was performed in 10 mongrel dogs. Bladder compl iance and uninhibited contractions were investigated in five female do gs. Pre-operative and post-operative cystograms were performed in four female dogs. The dogs were killed 8-12 weeks after the operation. Bla dders and muscle naps were grossly examined and removed for histopatho logical examination. Results There was no extravasation on post-operat ive cystography. Bladder compliance was normal and uninhibited contrac tions were not present, Severe contracture and atrophy of the muscle f laps were observed in all dogs at necropsy. Bladder volumes were not c hanged significantly (P>0.05). Histopathological examination revealed severe mesenchymal metaplasia in all of the flaps. Conclusion Partial reconstruction of the bladder with skeletal muscle flaps did not resul t in extravasation and bladder function was not altered. However, blad der volume could not be increased because of contracture and atrophy o f the flaps.