Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Urethral Stricture Induction Followed by Buccal Mucosa Graft Urethroplasty in a Rat Model
Published on: April 28, 2023
Placental membrane grafts for urethral replacement in a rabbit model: a pilot study
Chad R Pusateri1, Alexander D Doudt1, Steven Gauerke1,2
1Department of Urology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, 34800 Bob Wilson Drive, San Diego, CA, 32134, USA.
Purpose:
Several graft materials are available for use in the treatment of urethral stricture disease. Placental membrane is being used in a variety of settings as a graft in wound healing and tissue repair. We aim to evaluate the effect of implanting decellularized human placental membrane into rabbit urethras.
Methods:
Dorsal onlay graft urethroplasty using prepared human placental membrane was performed in 10 New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). After 3 months, the rabbits underwent cystourethroscopy to evaluate urethral patency. The rabbits were then euthanized and the urethras examined for pathological findings.
Results:
All urethroplasties were performed without complication. There were no observed episodes of urinary retention, infection, or renal failure. Urethral patency was achieved in all rabbits 3 months postoperatively. Urothelial replacement of the placental membrane graft was observed in all rabbits without malignant transformation.
Conclusion:
Dorsal onlay urethroplasty using decellularized human placental membrane can safely be performed in a rabbit model. This pilot study demonstrated urothelial replacement of human placental membrane in the rabbit urethra without stricture formation. Placental membrane is a promising biomaterial for urethral reconstruction.
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