title: Homologous acellular matrix graft for vaginal repair in rats: a pilot study for a new reconstructive approach.
abstract: The purpose of this paper is to investigate using an acellular matrix graft of vagina (VAMG) or bladder (BAMG) in vaginal reconstruction. In 18 rats, vaginal length was measured and a hysterectomy performed. In three control animals, the vaginal stump was closed. In eight rats, the vagina was augmented with a VAMG; in seven, a BAMG was used. After 2-12 weeks, the animals were sacrificed, the vaginal length was reevaluated, and the vaginas were prepared for histologic evaluation. In the controls, the vagina was markedly shorter postoperatively. In the grafted animals, vaginal length was not significantly less than preoperative values with either matrix. Epithelialization, vascularization, and alpha-actin expression in the grafts were consistently observed. Regeneration appeared to be slightly greater in the organ-specific vagina matrix. With either matrix, however, although the vaginal stump remained open, the grafts lost most of the lumen. Vaginal reconstruction with a vagina acellular matrix graft is technically feasible. If further experiments can address the problem of luminal collapse - with, for instance, tissue expanders in the matrix - this technique may offer an alternative to the complex therapeutic options currently available.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Urologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, 30623 Hannover, Germany. joerg.wefer@gmx.net
authors.forename: Joerg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wefer
authors.forename: Noritoshi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sekido
authors.forename: Karl-Dietrich
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Sievert
authors.forename: Norbert
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Schlote
authors.forename: Lora
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nunes
authors.forename: Rajvir
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dahiya
authors.forename: Udo
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Jonas
authors.forename: Emil A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Tanagho
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology / Q000637:transplantation*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000637:transplantation*; D014621:Vagina / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014623:Vaginal Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology