Surgically induced urologic models in swine

The porcine urological system is similar anatomically and physiologically t o that of humans. Swine have a true multirenculate, multipapillate kidney w ith a calyceal system like that of humans. The gross anatomic and histologi c characteristics of the porcine and the human kidney are more similar than most other commonly used laboratory animals. The physiologic functions of the urinary system including urodynamic parameters are also similar to huma ns. Swine have been used extensively as models of urologic conditions in hu mans, most commonly in obstructive urologic syndromes. A large number of in vestigative procedures can be performed in one experiment both in acute and chronic models. Recently, a new technique of surgically induced antenatal lower urinary tract obstruction in swine has been developed.