Experimental urinary bladder reconstruction using a synthetic poly(alpha-amino acids) membrane

Biodegradability of the poly(epsilon-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-lysine) membrane was tested for use as a biodegradable graft for the reconstruction of rabbit urinary bladder. Rabbit urinary bladder was exposed through a midline incision under general anesthesia and segmental resection with full thickness was done, with replacement by this synthetic membrane. The membrane was gradually reabsorbed, serving as a framework of support for regeneration of normal bladder tissues. Follow-up study at 1 year revealed no urinary tract complications, such as bladder stones or urinary tract infection. Also, no disturbance of renal function was demonstrated. Bladder capacity remained within normal limits and bladder functions were almost normal. These results indicate that biodegradable membrane may be well suited to this clinical use.