Autogenous vein graft to restore ureteric continuity in dogs

Free, autogenous vein segments were grafted to restore continuity of partially excised ureters in 12 mongrel dogs. Shortening and stricture formation of the vein graft occurred over the following four weeks. There was external adhesion around the graft but no urinary leakage, pooling or fistula. Intubation of the graft maintained patency but shortening occurred. Once the tube was removed, stricture formation and complete obliteration of the lumen of the graft occurred over the following few weeks. Prolonged splinting by biologically inert material may facilitate luminal patency and urothelial lining of the fibrous remnant of the venous graft. Gradual shortening of the graft eventually allows end-to-end anastomosis, without tension, as a second stage procedure.