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Injectable semi rigid penile prosthesis: study in rabbits and future perspectives.
Salvador Vilar Correia Lima1, Humberto Montoro Chagas2, Caio Cesar Paes Monteiro3
1Nucleus for Experimental Surgery, Post-graduate Program in Surgery, Department of Surgery, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.
Translational Andrology and Urology
|March 15, 2021
Summary
Bacterial cellulose (BC) gel effectively increased penile size in rabbits, offering a minimally invasive, biocompatible solution for erectile dysfunction treatment. This biointegrated material shows promise as a penile filling agent.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Urology
Background:
- Penile prostheses are a treatment for erectile dysfunction, but infections and patient comorbidities limit their use.
- Minimally invasive and biointegrated alternatives are sought for penile restoration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate bacterial cellulose (BC) gel as a penile filling material in an experimental model.
- To assess the biocompatibility and efficacy of BC gel in orchiectomized rabbits.
Main Methods:
- Thirty rabbits underwent bilateral orchiectomy and received intracavernous injections of BC gel, vehicle, or saline.
- Penile dimensions (length, diameter) and corpora cavernosa (CC) characteristics were measured at 3 and 6 months.
- Histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry analyzed tissue integration, inflammation, and neovascularization.
Main Results:
- BC gel significantly increased penile length, thickness, and CC diameter compared to controls.
- Histology confirmed BC integration with host tissue, showing lymphomononuclear infiltrate, giant cells, fibroblasts, and new vessels.
- No degradation or volume loss of BC was observed up to six months post-implantation.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial cellulose (BC) demonstrates excellent biocompatibility and biointegration as a penile filling material.
- BC offers a promising, minimally invasive option for penile augmentation and erectile dysfunction treatment.
