[Small intestinal submucosa (SIS): prospects in urogenital surgery]

SIS (Small Intestinal Submucosa) is an extracellular matrix isolated from pig intestine. Since its discovery in 1987, many studies have defined its structure and have demonstrated its useful biointegration and tissue regeneration properties. It also appears to be a resistant substrate associated with a low risk of infection. The role of this matrix is still under investigation in many fields of surgery, but its value has been clearly established in urological and gynaecological surgery. Several experimental and clinical studies have reported interesting results in cystoplasties, repair of stress urinary incontinence by suburethral support, urethroplasties or even chordee of the penis. Applications of this material are still to be evaluated in pelvic floor disorders, particularly in prolapse surgery.