Total bladder replacement with de-epithelialized ileum. Experimental study in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To assess the value of the silicone modeler in preventing graft retraction in dogs undergoing bladder replacement with de-epithelialized ileum. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twelve female dogs underwent total cystectomy and bladder replacement by neobladder made of demucosalized ileal segment, comparing the group with modeler (group I) and the group without modeler (group II). Cystometry data, graft epithelization and radiological assessment (cystography and excretory urography) were analyzed. RESULTS Neobladder capacity, at 2 months, ranged from 50 to 250 mL (mean 191 mL) and from 5 to 60 mL (mean 22 mL) and at 6 months, from 60 to 270 mL (mean 202.5 mL) and from 5 to 75 mL (mean- 30.5 mL), respectively in groups I and II, with a statistically significant difference between groups. After 30 days, postoperatively the presence of transitional epithelium was observed in all fragments obtained by biopsy. CONCLUSION The use of the intravesical silicone modeler prevented the retraction of the neobladder of de-epithelialized ileum.