Tissue Expansion: A Promising Trend for Reconstruction in Urology

Abstract

To evaluate the role of the tissue expansion concept in reconstructive urology, the contemporary literature was reviewed, together with our own results with tissue expansion. The principle of tissue expansion has been applied in cases of bladder augmentation, ureteral dilation for the generation of indigenous tissue and subsequent ureterocystoplasties, ureteral elongation, and dilation of the renal pelvis, producing native tissue for the reconstruction of defects or strictures of the upper ureter. Even though the exact mechanism of action of mechanical strain in different tissues is not known, tissue expansion is a well-accepted technique that can amplify the armamentarium of reconstructive urologists for the management of defects along the urinary tract.

Forty-five-year follow-up on the renal function after spinal cord injury

“…Bladder substitution to create a low pressure reservoir may be indicated in patients with severely thick and fibrotic bladder wall. Scaffolds, probably of tissue-engineered material for bladder augmentation or substitution or alternative techniques, are promising future options (216,(259)(260)(261)(262)(263)(264).…”

Prise en charge des lésions urétérales iatrogènes

“…La récupération d'une perte de substance par expansion tissulaire à l'aide d'un ballon d'expansion (ballon de RuizCohen) placé chirurgicalement a permis, chez l'animal, un allongement de l'uretère de plus de 30 % [26].…”

Ureteral Tissue Balloon Expansion for Laparoscopic Bladder Augmentation: Survival Study

“…4 Tissue expansion has also been utilized experimentally in urinary tract reconstruction, with promising early results. 1,5,6 In this study, we assessed the feasibility and efficacy of chronic progressive expansion of the normal juxtavesical ureter using a novel percutaneously inserted balloon and subsequent application of the tissue to laparoscopic augmentation of the bladder in a survival porcine model.…”