Bladder substitution: experimental data

Bladder enlargement or substitution using various segments of the gastrointestinal tract has been associated with significant metabolic and nutritional complications. Extensive research for other alternative materials, both synthetic and autologous, has revealed some difficulties including rejection, infection and stone formation. Most investigators believe that any material used for bladder augmentation must serve as a scaffold for the progressive ingrowth of all host bladder wall components, without infection or rejection. Recently, acellular matrix has been successfully utilized in experimental models for bladder substitution and appeared to satisfy many of these prerequisites.