We demonstrated the regeneration of urothelium, smooth muscle, blood vessels and nerves within a full thickness grafted acellular tissue matrix scaffold in the rat. The spatial orientation of these elements suggests that mesenchymal-epithelial interactions occur during phenotypic regeneration of the bladder. Urothelium appears to regulate the early forming smooth muscle. This in vivo model provides a suitable method to study cellular events during regeneration.

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The prune-belly syndrome comprises a constellation of well-established physical findings, yet the cause and management remain controversial. This review focuses on the current understanding of its pathogenesis and characterizes the fetal and neonatal diagnosis and management. Other associated anomalies are discussed to understand better the factors affecting treatment and prognosis as these patients grow into childhood and beyond.

In boys the LoFric catheter appears to cause less trauma. Although it is not reusable and is more expensive than the standard catheter, satisfaction is higher with the LoFric device and for select patients it has significant advantages.

During the early phases of bladder wound healing (12-24 hours post injury), mRNA for KGF and TGF alpha increased, whereas TGF beta 2 and beta 3 and the KGFR and EGFR remain unchanged. Additionally, exogenous KGF has a direct effect on urothelial proliferation. KGF and TGF alpha warrant further study as potential mediators of bladder wound healing.