Collagen-1 Membrane for Replacing the Bladder Wall

We studied the possibility of using membrane fabricated from type 1 collagen isolated from cattle tissues (group 1) or porcine tissues (group 2) for replacement of the resected bladder wall defect in rabbits in order to retain functional volume of the organ. Satisfactory take of both types of collagen membranes with formation of competent anastomosis was observed. Histological studies revealed inflammatory process in the bladder wall at the site of contact with the implanted membrane (more pronounced in case of membranes from cattle tissues) that decreased by day 21 of the experiment. Bladder tissue ingrowth into the implant from was observed starting from day 14. The bladder capacity decreased in 7 days after surgery in both groups, presumably because of increasing tone of the organ wall resulting from surgical trauma and inflammation. In group 2, the bladder volume increased by day 14 after surgery and returned to normal by day 21, whereas in group 1 it remained below the control despite a trend to increase. These findings confirm good prospects of using collagen-1 membranes for plastic repair of the urinary bladder, the membranes from porcine collagen being more preferable.