BLADDER WALL SUBSTITUTION WITH SYNTHETIC AND NON-INTESTINAL ORGANIC MATERIALS

Purpose: We evaluate and compare the characteristics and drawbacks of different synthetic and organic materials that have been used for blad der wall replacement. Materials and Methods: We extensively reviewed t he contemporary literature for partial bladder wall replacement with s ynthetic or organic materials. Results: The concept of bladder wall re placement dates back to the early nineteenth century. Based on the uni que regenerative capability of the bladder, many organic and synthetic allografts and xenografts were implanted in the bladder wall with a w ide range of outcomes. Recently, various biodegradable allografts have been developed and used successfully in animal models. Despite the fa vorable animal results, only a few of the materials have been used cli nically for bladder wall replacement to date. Conclusions: Further imp rovements in the use of existing materials and development of new mate rials will hopefully result in clinically successful grafts for bladde r wall replacement and for whole bladder substitution.