Objectives. To evaluate the role of polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex)
as a ureteral substitute in dogs after resection of a 5 to 8-cm-long
middle segment. Methods. Five mongrel dogs underwent resection of the
middle segment of the left ureter and segmental replacement of the res
ected part with segments of Gore-Tex over a double-J catheter. The dou
ble-J stents were removed at 21 days and the dogs were evaluated by ex
cretory urography and abdominal ultrasonography 12 weeks after surgery
. They were then killed and the ureters and the kidneys examined both
grossly and microscopically. Results. There was radiologic evidence of
advanced hydronephrosis on the left side in all 5 dogs. Grossly, the
left kidneys showed marked pelvic and proximal ureteral dilatation and
atrophy of parenchyma. Severe stricture at the anastomotic sites and
marked fibrous tissue around the prostheses were found. No cellular li
ning was found in the Gore-Tex lumen. Conclusions. There is no potenti
al for ureteral replacement by Core-Tex tube graft. (C) 1998, Elsevier
Science Inc. All rights reserved.