title: [Laparoscopic vesical autoaugmentation: an animal model in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Small contracted bladder remains a challenge in clinical urological practice and treatment options are not always effective. Urothelium sparing surgical techniques represent a reasonable therapeutical option. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a rabbit model (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in the teaching and training setting for laparoscopic vesical autoaugmentation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Transperitoneal laparoscopic bladder autoaugmentation was performed in five New Zealand male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). A three port technique was used for all cases. Circumferential detrusorectomy was performed with vascular pedicles sparing, subsequently submucosal detailed blunt dissection allowed the creation of a bladder diverticulum which was verified intraoperatively. Eye-ball cystometry was performed preoperatively and postoperatively to verify bladder capacity variations. Postoperatively cystometry was done immediately after the procedure and 7 and 15 days postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed with T-student model. A p-value < 0.05 was considered of significance for the analysis. Surgical procedure and perioperative animal care was minutely precised according to the Guidelines of the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources, Commission on Life Sciences, National Research Council.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five New Zealand male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were surgically treated as described. Median operative time was 68.8 minutes (range 44 -120). Median preoperatory bladder capacity for the series was 25.8 cc (7-52). Median postoperative bladder capacity was diminished in 33% immediately after the operation. Then, bladder capacity augmented 72% and 52% for 7th and 15th postoperative days, respectively. Percentage variation in bladder capacity is statistically significant. Two operative complications (mucosal tear) were reported. A postoperatory abscess was observed in one animal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) model for the laparoscopic bladder autoaugmentation is feasible for teaching, training and research. Bigger series and longer follow-up should be addressed.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitario de Caracas, UCV, Venezuela. raersas@hotmail.com
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Sánchez-Salas
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Palmer-Román
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Dávila Barrios
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sánchez-Ismayel
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Miquilarena
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D011817:Rabbits; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000601:surgery*; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*