Oral Mucosa Graft

Oral mucosa has been used for reconstructing oral and maxillofacial defects for many years (Payne et al., 1998); in repairing the conjunctival mucosa of the eye (Donoff, 1976), in oral pharyngeal reconstructive surgery (Leone, 1995) and in reconstructing vaginal defects (Lin et al., 2003). Since the initial introduction by Humby (1941) and then the re-introduction by Burger, oral mucosa graft has gained widespread use in urethral reconstruction of long segment anterior urethral strictures, hypospadias, epispadias and bladder exstrophy (Barbagli et al., 2006, Martins et al., 2006, Xu et al 2007). Oral mucosal graft, as a free graft for urological reconstruction, has numerous advantages including constant availability, favourable immunological properties, easy harvesting, excellent tissue characteristics; easy handling properties, minimal contracture formation and adaptation to a moist environment (Hensle et al., 2002, Simonato et al.,2006; Chi-Chi & Chi-Yang, 2007) The purpose of this overview is to provide the reader with an understanding of the biologic characteristics of the oral mucosa and the anatomic features that make it such a versatile tissue for urethral reconstruction. In addition, to report on the technique for oral mucosa graft harvest using sound biologic principles, its clinical applications in urologic reconstruction as well some observed donor site complications will be reviewed.